I hate biasing!

Ya'know.....there are excellent sounding solid state amps on the market now.....

As I mentioned in another Ref 6 thread re plexi covers, I just traded in my Ref 5SE for a Ref 6.  While at the dealer, I saw that he had a pair of Ref160Ms tied into Magico S5 MK II speakers.  Didn't get a chance to take a listen.  

Has anyone had a chance to check out the new Ref 160?  Major bucks.  The pair lists for $30K.

I read the Ref 160 specs.  They are identical to the Ref 150SE.  Means nothing of course, but I am curious if anyone has a done a serious listen, especially if they are familiar with the Ref 150SE.  

Quite curious if the Ref 160s are in "another league" as compared to the Ref 150SE.  Given that  a Ref 160 pair costs twice as much as the Ref 150SE, I can only assume they will sound twice as good.  lol

bifwynne,

Just yesterday I read the Stereophile review of the REF 160. See John Atkinsons measurements and comments. The cost is high at $30 K but two amps are always more expensive. Lots of power though.

Roger,

At first I thought the Ref 160 monos were a Ref 150SE split in two.  Separate power supplies and power trannies of course.  But a close look at the specs show some small differences.  So maybe the Ref 160 does have some new bells and whistles that add to SQ.  

For example, I understand that the Ref 160 can be switched to play in triode mode.  Mike, a dealer and founder of Audio Shark, reports that  triode mode is like being in heaven.

Oh, a point relevant to this thread, as I mentioned above, the Ref 160 auto biases.  That's a nice feature.

All that said, there is no way I would drop $30K on an amp (or in this case, ... amps).   Aside from space issues, after my wife got done with me, I'd be talking like Minnie Mouse.

BIF