New Audio Research Reference 150 SE

Herb & Bifwynne ...

Don't be surprised if the amp improves, then takes a little step backwards. This has happened to me on both the REF-75 and the REF-75-SE. By "backwards," I mean a little darkening in the presentation. It soon emerges from that temporary stage to new heights of clarity and musicality.

I just hit 150 hours on the REF-75-SE this morning and the damned thing is glorious. My favorite vocalists are in the room with me.

Happy listening ...

@Oregonpapa -- Yeah ... well I hope I'm still alive to find out. ARC shipped it to me on The Slow Boat to China Trucking Company. I just call ARC to see if they can use The Road Runner Trucking Company. Hoping they can. Otherwise, I won't get my amp until next week.

Sh*t ... I shipped it via FexEx Ground to ARC and it took 3 business days to get it from Philly to ARC.

Bifwynne ...

Why didn't they use UPS? Jeez, my REF-75 came back via UPS and the guy even carried into the house for me.

I now agree. That disc which sounded better through the Bel Cantos, hours 12-15 on the 150SE, now being played at 25 hours sounds better, though still without the clean detail that I expect. Yes, the sound got more congested, but now is beginning to clear.

Oregonpapa ... Kal said the Ref 150 is just too big for UPS and FedEx and ARC insists on using a pallet. Box and amp weigh 90 pounds. Don't know how much the Ref 75 weighs. Well that's the story anyway. Looks like the amp is scheduled to be delivered this Friday after all.

Based on Herb's reports, looks like I gotta break it in a bit before I hear the benefits. Ce la vie.