Congratulations on getting your new ARC REF amplifier. You write and express yourself well. I'm looking forward to further listening impressions as you see fit..
Charles
Audio Research REF 80S Reviews/Comparisons
Would love to hear some opinions regarding the new REF 80S and how it compares to their previous generations of amps. Here is my ARC amp story.
Classic 120 mono blocks - Played much stronger and more dynamic than their modest 110 wpc rating. I found them very musical and enjoyed immensely for about 2-3 years.
REF 150 (nonSE) - This was an upgrade in all aspects. I only sold due to the next entry
GSi75 - This was a diversion I made last year as simplification gained priority in my mind and I loved the aesthetics of this masterpiece being center stage on my shelf. I still believe it is a phenomenal integrated for someone that has efficient speakers, which I do not(89db).
REF 75SE - This amp is far superior compared to the GSi75. I find its power more comparable to the REF 150. I wish I had them to A-B. I was happy with the REF 150 and I am happy with this.
I am in no hurry to get a REF 80S...maybe in a few years when it is replaced with an SE model and the price comes down on the S.
Classic 120 mono blocks - Played much stronger and more dynamic than their modest 110 wpc rating. I found them very musical and enjoyed immensely for about 2-3 years.
REF 150 (nonSE) - This was an upgrade in all aspects. I only sold due to the next entry
GSi75 - This was a diversion I made last year as simplification gained priority in my mind and I loved the aesthetics of this masterpiece being center stage on my shelf. I still believe it is a phenomenal integrated for someone that has efficient speakers, which I do not(89db).
REF 75SE - This amp is far superior compared to the GSi75. I find its power more comparable to the REF 150. I wish I had them to A-B. I was happy with the REF 150 and I am happy with this.
I am in no hurry to get a REF 80S...maybe in a few years when it is replaced with an SE model and the price comes down on the S.
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- 44 posts total
Thanks for your comments. You are in for a treat. If I haven’t mentioned this, you can expect mediocre performance for for about 100 hours… pretty good til around 120… then flipping back and forth between good and bad… then after 150 hours good performance… getting better through 600… and while the slope of improvement decreases, the amp continues to improve through 1,000 hours.
I can’t imagine anyone leaving the cage on the amp. It is great seeing the tubes. I must admit to really liking the meters… I know it is just for show… love the show. |
@fsonicsmith - agree with ghdprentice re change in sound refinement. The 80S will open up. In my experience, ... just like ghdprentice said. I look forward to your comments on the 80S in general after 200+ hours and also how the 80S compares to the 150SE.
Enjoy the amp. I think you will be pleased.
BIF |
@fsonicsmith - can you share some updated impressions on the Ref 80S. How does it compare to the Ref 150SE?
Thanks
BIF |
- 44 posts total