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Music reference/ audio research / vpi

Looking for suggestions. Have a Music reference rm-200, and an audio research LS 16. Also have a VPI classic 4/proteus transfiguration. Wondering how the RM – 200 would match up with an audio research ref 6, an audio research ref 3 phono, And maybe Ariel acoustic 7t, or Devore gibbon X? Looking for suggestions. Live in the sticks with very little opportunity to audition much of anything!  While I love my audio research, sometimes I wish there was just a bit more tubey richness.  The Gibbons are supposed to have a more organic sound I’m told…? The phono three should be more compatible with the transfiguration…My phono 5 is not compatible…Trying to develop a plan and go at this one piece at a time… Also wonder about the vac 300.1…? Would think the ref phono three should be my next purchase…?
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fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
 Thank you for your responses pdreher and jadedavid. pd, excellent points bringing up harbeth and the music reference rm-9. I have not listened to an rm-9 in years but that is the sound that got me hooked!  And I bet the Harbeth would be awesome as well. Maybe the audio research pre-amp would match up nicely in the mix as well?

jadedavid is, of course, correct. Speakers first. Just really want to get a phono stage more compatible with my front end going.  Thank you both!
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,213 posts
 
I've not owned an Audio Research preamp, so I couldn't tell you if it would be compatible with the RM9.  I use an Aesthetix Calypso Signature and love it.  You can buy the standard Calypso used for around $2,500. 
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,868 posts
 
@fanotunes, I too had the ARC LS-16/RM-200 combination (though my RM-200 is a Mk.2), and replaced the ARC with an EAR 868L. Muchas betta. The EAR is a real tube pre-amp ;-).
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Thank you for the feedback! I have made a move on the harbeth 40.1’s mentioned earlier. Will get those home and have a listen to those for a bit before I make a move on a preamp. I think they will help with the more relaxed organic sound as I am looking for. I wonder if it’s better to stick with a more neutral pre-amp and then affect the sound with the amp or vice a versa. If I go with a more neutral pre-, I can then hear more of what the components up and down stream are doing? Though, I have read good things about the Ear and will have to read up on the aesthetix since have not heard of it before. Thank you for the suggestions.
jadedavid
76 posts
 
Congrats. Your RM with the 40's should be a stellar combo.
I have had an Aesthetix Calypso and enjoyed it until a friend asked me if the residual noise from it bothered me? I didn't understand his question until he brought over his pre to replace it for an audition. Then I heard what he was referring to. Once heard it is easy to pick out and I was no longer able to keep it in my system and immediately replaced it.  I'm not sure if this is present in the signature models but it has been repeatedly heard in several std models. I have been questioned about the tubes that I was using. I have a VERY large collection of tubes and changing the tubes did not correct the problem.
While your results may be different, I would encourage an in home audition before purchasing one. I feel that for the same money there are much better pre's out there.
Keep us posted on your thought on the 40's.
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