Its a tough choice because both pieces are very good, but there is still room to upgrade. If it were my choice, I would go with a new amp if I thought I didn't have enough power, or some other issue with the amp that you know you don't like. If you have no issues with the amp, a new preamp will usually make a bigger difference. Either way, you should seek more input. I have a lot of experience with your amp, but not so much with your preamp. Given that, I can't make a fair comparison. Overall, you have a very well matched system. Wilson/ARC go very well together if done right. Are you working with a dealer? That would be a big help.
Audio Research REF 110 or Ref 75
I have an ARC VT100MK2, and a pair of Wilson Watt Puppy 6.
Considering upgrade and was wondering what I would gain buy either of these amps. I have all ARC pre / CD and transparent cables.
What I would like to gain is a bit more control in the low end. A tighter bass punch if you will. While still maintaing the liquid tube sound in the mids.
I listen mostly to classic rock and jazz at lower volumes ( around 80 db ) sometimes I go louder. I considered a solid state amp, but I do love the sound of tubes.
Thank you
Considering upgrade and was wondering what I would gain buy either of these amps. I have all ARC pre / CD and transparent cables.
What I would like to gain is a bit more control in the low end. A tighter bass punch if you will. While still maintaing the liquid tube sound in the mids.
I listen mostly to classic rock and jazz at lower volumes ( around 80 db ) sometimes I go louder. I considered a solid state amp, but I do love the sound of tubes.
Thank you
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- 13 posts total
Vdosc, take a look at this Wilson Watt Puppy 6 review. Just above the section titled "Comparison" is a comment from Dave Gordon at Audio Research that talks about using the 8 ohm tap on the amp even though the speaker is 4 ohm. Even if you decide to get a new amp, it appears the speaker/amp combination may be best using the 8 ohm tap. |
I've had watt puppy 7s and Sasha paired with a ref 110 with 6550s and then kt 120s and I too thought it was a great combo but a little light below. The ref 150 made a big difference and I've heard the ref 250s sound even better. My guess is the ref 75 will be an upgrade but a used ref 150 would be a marked upgrade. |
Thanks, this is very useful information, and I do have a sub a JL 110 but I prefer to get the most out of the Wilsons. The sub is really too low, just rumble great for Movie but not as tight and punchy as the Wilsons. It does help a little when listening at very low volumes. I can use it as kind of a loudness control. |
- 13 posts total