Rogue Audio and Audio Research Comparisons

I haven’t heard a Rogue in a while… but the ARC Ref 75se is incredible and quite a legend I think Rogue good, ARC great. 

While I love Rogue and have a couple of their pieces  in my system (RP9 and Stereo 100), the best sound I've personally heard was an ARC 160(?) powering a big pair of Wilsons (was it  Alexx or Chronosonic?) at my dealer.  It was effortless and surreal, as if those mammoth imposing speakers weren't there in the room at all.  I think most would agree that ARC, generally speaking, is a step up from Rogue.  

The Ref160 is no doubt a step up (or 2) however,  I'm just curious in general how much difference is it between the ARC amps I mentioned.  Wish I could afford the 160. 

I've rolled in some Amperex Bugle Boy 12AX7 and Brimar 12au7 and those tubes have definitely increased the performance of the ST-100.  While the stock JJs are decent tubes I thought they were a bit thin sounding.  

I know some people with both a Ref 160s and a REF 75se… while the REF160s is an upgrade they just can’t part with the REF75SE because it sounds so good. 
 

Personally I always trade in my amp to reach up the maximum possible… I think folks not being able to give up their REF75SE says it all. They are wonderful amps.