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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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pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,213 posts
 
fanotunes,
I guess you picked up the nice pair of 40.1's recently listed for $6,700?  If so, you got a great deal on those puppies!  I think you will be amazed how organic and natural they sound.  I've heard other's refer to Harbeth's 40 series as their "desert island" speaker... as in if they had to pick one speaker to have if stranded on a desert island for life, the big Harbeth's are what they'd choose.

I'd stick with a neutral preamp and experiment with other tube amps over time to figure out what suits you... or even better, keep your RM 200 and buy a second more tubey sounding amp to have as a alternative when the mood strikes you to change things up.  This is what I do.  There are many great tube amps in the $2,000 to $4,000 range, including the two that I currently own. 

fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 
Thank you, pdreher. for your suggestions/feed back. Swapping out the KT-88’s might be an option too? And still thinking the Audio research reference 5SE or 6, with a reference phono 3 would be a nice preamp for me here.  I may have to wait for the prices on those come down a bit though! Regards!
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,213 posts
 
I'd use RAM KT88's and maybe play with some NOS signal tubes, then upgrade your preamp to something from CAT, Aesthetix or go up the Audio Research food chain. 
fanotunes's avatar
fanotunes OP
33 posts
 

Well, bought the Harbeth's and then promptly left for 3 weeks on the road...sheesh! Couldn't wait to get home and have a listen. Still moving them around in the room a bit but....WOW! so much more open, organic, sense of ease....did I say wow? WOW! :)

PD, do you have a suggestion on signal tubes and a source for same?

clio09
3,360 posts
 
The signal tubes for the RM-200 need to be very carefully matched and balanced for the circuit. Roger is the only one who can get it perfect so you should consider RAM tubes as your source.

I work with Roger and am currently using his personal RM-200 with a set of his ESLs. So I know how difficult it is for him to match up those driver tubes and the results of using tubes from other vendors. As reputable as these vendors are, they can't get it as close as Roger can. You would have a lot better experience in my opinion swapping out the KT-88s for 6550s, GEs in particular.
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