2. amps-preamps
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Upgrade Quandary: Ref 75SE vs Ref 150 (non SE)

I have a ARC Ref 75 (non SE). I’m trying to decide whether to upgrade it to the 75SE through ARC or sell it here and buy an ARC 150 (non SE). For the sake of this debate, let’s assume costs are equal (I know they are not).
Here’s what I’m after
1) More control in the bass
2) More control in upper midrange (same as bass note above)
3) Not deviate too far from the other elements of sound I have.

Room: 21deep x14wide x10high
Dedicated audio

Gear:
Wilson Audio Sasha (1)
Lumin T1 source
ARC Ref 3 pre
ARC Ref 75
Transparent Ultra g5 balanced ICs and speaker cables.
Bass traps in 2 front corners, 1st, 2nd reflection diffusers.

Thanks MUCH!
P.S. No I can’t audition either amp. in my system.
P.S.S. I’ve auditioned a couple solid state amps, they don’t do it for me. Much more bass (too much) and complete control was found, but they gave up too much in too many areas, like air around the instruments and voices and bloom that I love about tube power.


jo1mtb
dhite71
336 posts
 
@jo1mtb

This was a fun read and I am curious if you system is up to date or if you ever tried anything else.  If I were you I would probably get a REF 75SE for comparison.  It will most likely sound better than the non-SE and obviously will be easy to sell whichever one you choose.  I have too read so many things about how the REF 75 is simply a special creation by ARC. I had a REF 150 for a few months and can’t believe how cheap I sold it last year. People really don’t seem to want them to anywhere near the level of the REF 75s.
jo1mtb OP
121 posts
 
Hi dhite71. I did try the 75se, and it is significantly better than the 75.  I’m on to Focal Sopra and I felt the ARC gear was a little white/dry for them. I’m on to PrimaLuna Evo400 separates. The preamp is a stunner.  The amp is not as special as the 75 or 150.  
dhite71
336 posts
 
I tried the Focal 1038Be2 with some ARC separates(Classic 120 mono amps), don't recall which preamp and phono I was on at the time.  I was not impressed with the match either, but didn't consider letting go of my ARC gear and sold the Focals.  I have the Wilson Sophia 1 and they were a much better match.  I have always been curious about the Primaluna gear and have watched funny ol Uncle Kev in quite a few YouTube videos.  

Did you keep the last REF 75/75SE you had when you got your PL gear?  That sounds like a nice combo to the the PL preamp with a 75SE.

I watched the YouTube video from Oct where the HiFi buys guy, Alan, interviewed Trent, the new owner of ARC.  It was nice to hear about how focused they are on correcting the errors of being under the McIntosh group management.  Trent said they have never seen Warren as excited as he is every time he listens to the REF 80S.  Geez, though, at $15k...when will that be down to a reasonable price on the used market?  They also will be releasing a more affordable line so that will be quite interesting to watch their product lineup grow under Trent.

I am considering a move to solid state now lol.  There was a thread last year that said you aren't truly an audiophile unless you change out components somewhat frequently.  I get so much enjoyment out of the excitement over a noticeable improvement.  

Enjoy!
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