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Audio Research reference amplifiers used with RCA IC`s and unbalanced preamplifiers

I am considering purchasing used audio research reference amplifiers either 150se or 75 SE. My question is this

As these amplifiers are fully balanced and don't have an RCA input, can I use RCA interconnects with a conversion plug from RCA to balanced at the amplifier input and will it work in my system?

I don't have any balanced interconnects and don't want to go through the extra expense. Only one of my three preamplifiers has an XLR output and there's nothing indicating the preamplifier is fully balanced.

I find this balanced/ unbalanced criteria confusing.

 

nsp
speedthrills
160 posts
 

@nsp - the amps put out 70 rms and 150 rms per channel and are configured one way - not switchable. Both drive Wilson Sasha 2 off of the 8 ohm tap no issue, the 150SE drives them better, bigger and louder if you listen loud. 

 

speedthrills
160 posts
 

@atmasphere - Yup, Kalvin's back, I've talked with him several times in the last month and more often than not he's the person answering the phones when they're open. I need an LED for one of the meters on the REF75SE and just sent the LS28 into him for the LS28SE upgrade earlier this week. 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 

👍

nsp OP
653 posts
 

speedthrills

My bad I was actually referring to an article I read on the new arc reference 80 SE amplifier. It is switchable  from Ultra linear to triode mode but I can't seem to find the power rating for the triode setting.

The 80 SE is 70 watts per Channel in Ultra linear I'm thinking the triode setting might be only half that which might not be enough for my speakers. 150 watts per Channel is probably Overkill for my room and listening habits. My room is 15 by 17 with 8 ft ceiling and I listen from 75 to 85 DB nothing louder

ghdprentice
7,047 posts
 

The triode setting would be 35 wpc. I own Ref 160’s.

I run my REF 160’s in triode mode (so 70wpc instead of 140wpc). There seems to be little difference in sound levels… only in the triad mode there is a bit more naturalness to the sound.

 

I periodically switch back to ultra linear and immediately back to triode. Having come from 350wpc Pass amp… where more power is better… not true in the ARC tube world.

The contemporary ARC Reference amps are incredible. Highly recommended.

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