ARC Galileo GSPre vs ARC Reference 5 SE ? ....

Very nice! Joe-

in the systems that I auditioned, ARC Ref 75, Ref 150 and Bryston 3B-ST power amps were used on Wilson Sasha + Sophia loudspeakers. Cables/Power cords were Transparent OPUS line.

Personally, I enjoyed the ARC Ref5 SE w/ the Bryston 3B-ST power amp. Top to bottom, the very best sound for Rock and Jazz music. Keep me posted as you get the opportunity to demo the new Galileo gear. -JA

Ditto to above. Looking forward to reading some comments about how the GS series compares to the Ref 5 SE and Ref 150.

I took another look at the ARC website to read the marketing descriptions of the GS-150 and the Ref 150. The Ref 150 description has a comprehensive explanation about the changes that were made from its predecessor, the Ref 110. The changes were numerous and significant.

By contrast, the GS-150 is described as a new aesthetic with KT-150 tubes. The GS-150 specs are identical to the Ref 150, save for the KT-150 tube. Oh ... one other difference is that the GS-150 only has 2 output taps versus the Ref 150 which has 3 taps. Maybe the GS-150 uses new and improved output trannies??

What I really would like to read is how the Ref 150 with KT-150 tubes compares to the GS-150 ... all other system components the same.

I am ready for a re-tube. Very close to pulling the trigger on KT-150s.

Bruce,

Check out this update an ARC and KT-150's. You have your answer.

http://audioshark.org/audio-research-corporation-arc-36/arc-amps-kt150s-6541.html#post110085

Joe ... must have blinked. Who if the source of that post? The author said he was advised in writing about the "ok'ness" of the KT-150s for use in the current Ref amps. Has that approval been posted somewhere and sourced back to ARC?

Ordinarily, I'd call ARC to get that directly, but I'm afraid if I ask the Q again, my calls will be blocked. :)

Trust the source. I've seen the document from ARC myself. They are blessing the KT-150 but really want you to buy from them at some point. I have it on great authority that Kevin Deal - Upscale Audio is one of the better (best) places to order your tubes from. Go for it!