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ARC Ref mark2 vc Supratek Chardonnay

I'm looking to upgrade my ARC LS15 and the two pre's I have narrowed the field down to are the Ref mark2 and the Supratek.I know there are a lot of happy Supratek owners on this site( I have posted in the asylum but get the feeling Supratek owners frequent here.) Have any of you directly compared these two pre's?I have talked to a couple of Supratek owners who are delighted. Would the chardonnay be a sideways step or a forwards one?I don't have a bias either way.I know thre is a ref3 on the way.
Accompanying gear- ARC CD3 ( balanced), Plinius SA100 ( soon to be Sa ref) and Shahinians.Music taste classical and jazz.
Thanks in advance,
Kevin
ella4ever
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Wc65mustang: I have heard BAT 51SE vs Ref 2 mk 2 and IMO the ARC blow the BAT away. I found the BAT to sound flat and uninvolwing.
wc65mustang
524 posts
 
>> Unfortunately, everyone can see through your mindless claims.<<
Hey I didn't insult you did I? But now I will. They are not mindless claims but you would hear the difference if you dumped those goofy 1.6 'pans. Mindless speakers indeed.

>> I have heard BAT 51SE vs Ref 2 mk 2 and IMO the ARC blow the BAT away<<
Perhaps with certain other components this could be but the Joule, Supratek, and even the Atma-Sphere MP-1 will smoke the ARC.
ackman00
67 posts
 
Before changing pre-amps, have you changed the tubes in your LS15. I have an LS15 and was amazed at how much better it sounded once I put in some NOS Amperex tubes from the early 60s. They aren't cheap, but cost far less than a new pre-amp. Just my 2 cents.
jeffreyfranz's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jeffreyfranz
42 posts
 
Hi:
That's a tough one.Both aregreat units. I would probably lean slightly to the Supratek but would be happy with either. The ARC is a lively, super-detailed, exciting sound, if that helps. Some have said the sound can wear on you at times.

Good luck,
Jeffrey

System:
Muse Model 10 CD/DVD
VPI HW-19 with Sumiko FT-3 arm & various catridges
Phono preamp: Creek, looking for new one
Aesthetix Calypso tube line stage
mono pair of BAT VK-60 tube amps
Quad 989 speakers
Vandersteen 2Wq, stereo pair of subs
Various wires and accessories
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
Hi WC65mustang,

Just curious, can you give us any facts on how the Supratek, Joule, BAT, VAC, and Aesthetix have better design and build quality than the ARC Red 2 Mk2? I've seen the ARC Refs inside and out and they are built exquisitely (not to mention they are backed by some of the friendliest and most responsive service in the audio industry). Everyone's entitled to their sonic preferences, but what exactly makes all those other products better in terms of design and build quality?
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