I went from the ARC LS-16 to the ARC Ref I. Very satisfied. Greater detail in all ranges. Incredible soundstage with added depth. Using Meridian 508.24 CDP, Plinius SA100MKIII amp, Dynaudio Contour 3.3 speakers.
No_Money- It does- just considering a higher quality preamp. Rosstaman- thanks- good idea, in fact one of my good friends has the Ref 1 and loves it, but I like the even bigger soundstage/warmth of Ref 2 (since uses tube power supply as opposed to Ref 1 which does not). Only prob is that Ref 2 may sometimes be accused of having bass that isn't quite as tight as Ref 1. Maybe new Ref 2 MKII is answer, but too $$!!
The Ref II is awesome. I just upgraded from a LS15 to the Ref II and the difference in detail, soundstaging, and just plain air is amazing. Keep looking for a used one, many Ref II owners are selling and moving up to the mkII version. It is a 3k upgrade. I am using mine with a VT100 mkII, Dunlavy ScIIIs, and Synergistic Designer Ref cabling.
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