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ARC Ref-300 or 600 or 210: Which sounds best ?

Hi,
I currenty have an Oracle CD-Transport, a Jadis JS1 D/A converter, ARC Ref2 MkII Preamp, ARC VT150 Monos, Triangle Magellan Grand Concert and two Triangle Meteor 0.4 subwoofer.
I will upgrade the ARC Ref2 MkII preamp to a ARC Ref5.
Regarding the Monos I would like to know which one is SONICALLY best at low or medium gain levels: the old 300 or 600 or the new 210? I am well aware of the many differencies between these three models regarding age, max output level, power consumption, weight and size, number of tubes,...
In terms of price they are (as used equipment) somehow comparable (all three are in the 10-14k$ range for the pair).
But which one SOUNDS best??
I anyone has personal experience with two or three of these models in comparison I am thankful for sharing it.
Thanks a lot in advance!
ozatschek
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
What a great problem to have!! ARC stuff sounds so freakin good.

I vote for the new 210, only because it's new. But I have never heard any ARC amps that were not stellar. Very buttery smooth sound, with great dynamics and extension.

Good luck.
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 
Do you need the extra power of the Ref 600? That is a lot of tubes and a lot of heat. If not I would tend more toward the Ref 300 or 210 amps. I have not heard the Ref 300s in a while and never side by side with the Ref 210s. I have listened to the Ref 210s and the Ref 110 quite a bit. I own a Ref 110. If it were me I would probably choose the Ref 210s. I don't like power tubes mounted horizontally like in the Ref 300s and 600s.

All in all I chose the Ref 110 for myself because I did not really need the extra power of the 210s. The extra tubes, heat, and digital display were not worth the the slight difference in the sound to me. But both are great amps and I would say much better than your current amp. I am not a big fan of Audio Research Amps of that period. Though the VT150 is one of the better ones.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
.
I'm envious, that Ref5 will change your life.
.
ozatschek OP
12 posts
 
Hi, thanks for all your posts.
@Macdadtexas: I agree, they all sound well!
@Mitch4t: I got a Ref5 for testing today, will listen
extensivly next weekend. The dealer promised that the
difference to the Ref2MkII is huge!
@Lostbears: I do like the VT150s, but usually newer ARC equipment is better equipment...
No, I dont need the power of the 600s.
Did you ever have a chance to listen to 300s or 600s (even if not side-by-side with the 210s?
I am just curious if the extra power generally improves the sound, also at lower listening levels?
I am looking for the best sound - if that means more tubes and heat, it is ok as well...
Thanks very much!
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