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

ghdprentice

Thanks. That's what I thought 35 Watts or half of 70 Watts.

Well it seems like you're saying that the difference in power/quality switching in your system is not that much different.

Was curious as to what levels your spl's are? Mine or 75 to 85 DB

I typically listen at the 65 to 75 db area. But I occasionally crank it into the 80db area, it sounds great.

If you are listening at an average spl of 85 that is very loud. If you are talking about occasionally peaks touching 85… that is just loud.

I had some kids come over and crank it to…. Loud… I didn’t want to go in to measure the spl, it was too loud. No evidence of running out of power.

I found when I switched over to the ARC amp from a Pass 350 (Wpc). I actually listened at lower volumes because the music was more satisfying at lower volumes.

Wow, 85 db is very loud.  No wonder my wife is always yelling at me.  But going back to cables, if both the preamp and power amps are fully balanced you can use inexpensive balanced cables.  Mogami or something similar for no more than a couple hundred bucks.  For what your investing in the amp seems like a drop in the bucket.  But then again I’m good at spending other people’s money.

Whoops just saw the preamps we not balanced.  Never mind.

ghdprentice

yes just peaks at 85db . If the music goes to continuous spl over 80 db I turn it down to 80db or less. I am aiming for the system to sound best at 70db -80db.

Thats one of the important points about getting better gear. To be able to listen at a lower spl level and achieve maximum enjoyment .