2. amps-preamps
  3. 1016619081

Would I be a happy boy with an ARC CA-50?

I found an ARC CA-50 on Audiogon ad. I've read reviews of it from time to time, but I've never used one before.

I am mainly interested in this integrated amp to stop me from spending more on audio purchases. Ok, I know that won't happen. But, at least, I don't need to buy too many cables with an integrated.

Anyhow, I have a pair of KEF 103/4. I can only find specs on KEF.com for the current Reference 1 and 2, which the 103/4 is in between in regards to technical specs. The sensitivity - 2.83v @ 1m would be around 88db. The living room is about 20x15x10.

Sound preference: I like analytical dry "British" sounding audio gear like KEF and Tannoy professional speakers. As long as the detail is accurate, there is ample soundstage and the frequency response is flat, I am a happy boy.

Thanks y'all.
viggen
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Welcome to the world of ARC. I recently re-vamped my bedroom system. Swaping out some Classe solid-state stuff for an ARC LS-15/VT-100 Combo. This stuff sounds great. Last night I added some Electrostatic speakers, now that was the icing on the cake. Man this system sounds smooth. I'd still like to tweak the cabling, but will wait a little while before spending any more money. Enjoy :^)
viggen OP
838 posts
 
Max,

I think CA-50 has preouts for an amp or sub. You can use that if you don't mind driving your speakers full range with the CA50. I hope the CA50 has a good phonostage too. I haven't used my turntable in ages.

Glen,

Did you win the lottery? What speakers did you get? And that's ONLY your bedroom system......
maxgain
526 posts
 
Viggen, It does have some sort of sub out jacks, but it is not pre out(the vandersteen is not like the REL), and it has No phono stage, only a line stage.I hope this is not bad news?
viggen OP
838 posts
 
Hey Max,

I stand corrected. It has a subout, but at least the output is variable? This way, if I am to power the LF with my aragon, which might be too much for the CA50 since it has 250w@4ohm, I wouldn't need another attenuator.

TT isn't a big deal to me for now. I only have this 15 yr old Luxman. It would be a plus to be able to use it. I guess I can get a phono preamp like from creek to go into the "phono" input of the CA50.

Nope, not having preouts and phono inputs isn't a big deal. It would be nice to have tho.
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Viggen, Don't you know "Nothing exceeds like excess". You'll be upgrading before you know it!!! I went with the Martin Logan Accents. Tubes with Electrostats rule!

You’re not the first person to say that's a little excessive for a secondary system. I'd still like to think I'm not as bad as some people at this web-site.

Take care
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