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Audio Research comparison

I'd still like to get an un-biased comparison of the old Audio Research Power Amps: VT100 MkII, VT200, REF300 and the newer solid state input versions. I have heard opinions, but they have all been self serving. So I'd like to hear from someone who has really compared the two designs. Also I'm interested in the comparison of the new pre-amp designs with the older ones LS-25 Ref2 with the MkIIs.
blues_man
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
There is no comparison. The newest versions which use the "super tube", are in a different league. Sonically they are much more accurate, much quieter and much faster.

The difference is even bigger in the preamps, when it comes to the REF2 and the REF2 MKII. There was a mid bass bloat which seems to have disappeared as well as a lowered noise floor.
kublakhan
717 posts
 
i recently went with a couple guys from this site and did an a/b with the LS25, LS25mkII and the ref2mkII.

the ref2mkII is in a whole different universe. Amazing.

No one liked the LS25mkI. Very thin, weak bass...the LS25mkII was a SUPER improvement, more involving, better bass, the music just had more mass with a deeper soundstage and all were impressed. i came close to love but i only had eyes for the ref2mkII after she showed her stuff.

if you do a search of arc 24 bat 50 you'll find the thread.

hope that helps
kw6
691 posts
 
Hi Kublakhan,

Does the AR Ref. MK II pre use a single gain stage with no cathode follower like the BAT VK-50SE pre?

Thanks!
kublakhan
717 posts
 
the only arc preamp that was made without a cathode follower was the SP12 from the 80s.

in the demo we did out here 4 of the 6 of us preferred the arc ref2mkII to the BAT50se but we were listening on a pair of arc300s. apparently there's synergy when using the bat pre with the bat amp so maybe the comparison wasn't a fair one. they're both amazing preamps however and if you're offering, i'll accept either. :)
gmorris
351 posts
 
This thread demonstrates, again, how subjective and system dependent component evaluations in this hobby can be. I own both the LS25 MKI and VT100 MKII versions. I am using NOS tubes in my LS25. I have heard the new version with the FET low level input and 6H30 tubes. Technically, the VT100 MKIII my be better than the MKII, however I found the MKII version to be more musically satisfyiing: to wit, more liquidity and a sweeter top end. In so far as the LS25 MKII is concerned, I think the MKI with the NOS (6H23) equals the MKII version in terms of technical competence but exceeds it in terms of musicality. My observations were replicated by a friend who also had the opportunity to try all the iterations in his home system.
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