AR Ref 160s or Luxman M10x

Thinking of upgrading my M900u to one of these two amps. Has anyone heard/compared the Audio Research and Luxman amps at this level (or the M900u)?

Mostly listen to acoustic, jazz, classical, female vocalists. Speakers are MA PL 300ii.

lldd12-07-2023 9:37pm

lldd OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 37 posts 12-08-2023 at 08:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete ghdprentice - Thanks for the insights. Very helpful, and exactly what I was looking for. Having owned the M900 for 2+ years, I find it a little more musical than your description, but I don't have anything like the AR to compare it to. I'll have the opportunity to hear both side by side in the next few weeks, but based on your description I'm really interested in the Ref 160s. Listening will tell.
ghdprentice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,051 posts 12-09-2023 at 02:39am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 👍😊. Yes, this is where your values in sound meet the road. There are many people that value detail and contrast between the treble and bass. Others, fidelity. The pursuit caters to all tastes. It is great that you will listen before buying!
audio_bidder Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 24 posts 10-15-2024 at 02:33am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @lldd I own the ARC REF 160M's and love them. Delicate, nuanced and beautiful. I listen mainly in triode mode to acoustic, folk, singer songwriter. The only thing they don't have is the slam of the best solid state amps, but I don't miss it.
ghdprentice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,051 posts 10-15-2024 at 05:01pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I run my REF 160 in triode mode as well.