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Which ARC ref linestage to try: Ref3, Ref5, Ref5SE? HATE forward sounding systems

 

 

I presently am driving a PS Audio 300 class D amp with a CJ premiere 16LS2 and really really like the sound. I have always preferred solid state fed by a nice tube amp. One of the things that are remarkable (to my ears anyway) is that my system not only excels with well recorded material…poor quality recordings sound great too. I can listen indefinitely without fatigue.

Obviously, I like fuller, lush sound (which some might criticize as too euphonic (I make no apologies, that’s what I like)). I DESPISE forward sounding, edgy, systems. With the advancements made, I’m thinking detail and warmth are not mutually exclusive and that ARC may have pulled off the balance with one of these? I like big, deep, recessed soundstages.

 

This is my hobby so sometimes I like to change things up. I would like to try one of the ARC refs as I’m hoping they can deliver what I like but maybe with some improvements (e.g maybe more natural/real sounding?) I have read all the reviews and many comparisons multiple times. I know that the 5se allegedly blows away the 5 etc. blah blah. I don’t care how impressive something sounds initially…I need long term satisfaction. I gotta think that these refs have different sound signatures, right?

I am asking owners and people with first hand experience to provide feedback re. which of these is least forward and analytical and might give me what I already have…but with additional detail, realism, etc.?

P.S. To proactively address the obvious…. Why not just try a newer CJ? I’m not a fan of the newer CJ single triode linestages ONLY because of the single triode design (I had an ET3 and really liked the sound…however, the single triode is driven very hard in that design…and it ate tubes (they became noisy quickly and regularly)). The more rugged tubes didn’t sound as good to me so, don’t want to go there again.

 

128x128ml8764ag
bobbydd
97 posts
 

I have 2 ARC Reference line stages, a Ref 2 and a Ref 5SE.

The older unit is warmer and more recessed.  The newer unit is more transparent, dynamic and more forward; the 5SE also has better bass.

Both create a huge soundstage and are wonderful in the right system.

I use the Ref 2 in my second system utilizing Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 speakers.  The slightly warmer and more recessed sound of the Ref 2 greatly complements that speaker.

Based on my experience would stick to Ref 1, 2 or 3.  Used up to $4K with good tubes.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,940 posts
 

Try Ref1. Huge soundstage, laid back and natural, big bass.

ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag OP
502 posts
 

Thanks guys…that’s kinda what I was thinking…..may need to go to one of the non-supertube (or earlier supertube ) models to get what I’m looking for. I know that the ref3 and the ref2 mk2 have it…but maybe best of both worlds…

 

I really appreciate your input!

 

P.S. I did have the ls27mk2…. All else equal, too clinical for me.

ghdprentice
6,969 posts
 

I have owned ARC Reference 5SE for about 5 years and a Reference 6SE for the last two. Nether of these could be remotely called forward. They are detailed and natural… drawing the listener in.  But given what you are looking for, I would stick with ConnieJ.

 

How often would the tubes go out? Any chance it was a particular unit? 
 

I must to differ to @bobbydd for his comparison to the REF2.

 

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