2. amps-preamps
  3. 995111973

Audio Research Convert...

I never thought I would do this but I've recently sold my Ayre V3 for an Audio Research 100.2, I have two words to say about it. Dynamic and Smooth! The 100.2 has all the qualitys of the Ayre, but even better resolution on the top and the bottom, and so smooth. There is just such a sence of ease with this amp. I believe part of this is that it is also a better match for my Audible Illusions M3A. This amp is a real sleeper and it really takes charge of my Maggies. If anyone else out there has this amp I would love to here the contents of your systems.
gmele
south43
386 posts
 
Hi Gmele Glad to hear about system. I recently went the ARC route, but instead of a new pre I went backwards in terms of age. I had a Anthem pre2L and it was alright but I traded it in on a LS7 and WOW. Everything the Anthem was not. It mated well with my Anthem Amp1 which to me is a sleeper. I believe even with dated ARC gear they are a statement of what highend is all about.
slowhand
610 posts
 
I also have the ARC 100.2 amp mated with the Audible Illusions M3A preamp. The rest of my system consists of a VPI mk4 TT, Pioneer PD54 stable platter CD player and I recently purchased a pr. of Gallo Nucleus Reference speakers. Gmele, you are right, the 100.2 is very smooth but also very dynamic. I also listened to an ARC 100 mk2 tube amp and I prefered the 100.2 SS amp. This is a real sleeper in the ARC line. They may be known for their tube amps, but this is a REAL beauty! Check out how many used ones you find. Almost NONE, that's how many. When people find out how good they are, they hang on to them.
brauser
525 posts
 
I sometime back talked to one of the main guys at Audio Research and he uses the 100.2 in his home system. I mean this guy could be using anything and he chooses a solid state amp from their line. I've heard it and it's real good.
How good? Let's just say that in comparison with the Mark Levinson (megabuck) amp it was way smoother and listenable.
I'm convinced that it may be one of the most underated products in all of high-end audio.
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