audio research REF 150

Has anyone compared the REF150 to REF250?

In my brother's set-up driving the Sasha with full ARC (CD8, REF5), the REF150 sounded great. Buying the whole system at one go during the 110>150 transitional period, the local importer agreed to first lent him a demo REF110 (6550), and subsequently replaced it with the later KT120s equipped unit while awaiting arrival of his then to be released REF150--hence the observation in my first post above.

Curious as to whether the REF250--despite similarities--is significantly better, or close enough a call with just power difference. There were 3 sets recently at the dealer but were pre-ordered units and were sent off immediately to their respective owners so no chance as yet to audition one.

Also, if any experience on how these new generation ARCs compare to the like of LAMMs, VTLs and VACs--impressions preferably from owners or first hand experience in home/store demos. Thanks.

Can you display your graphics on clxs with ref150? We tried the clxs in 16ohm taps and works excellent !!!
But this will make less power from the 150

I would appreciate kick starting this OP again. Looking for more current comments. Just upgraded my Ref 5 to the SE. Initial impressions are quite positive, but the upgrade still needs more time to complete break-in. That's why I'm asking about the Ref 150. Wondering how much improvement I'll realize going from the VS-115 to the Ref 150. Kinda thinking that the law of diminishing returns will be kicking in.

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Bif, give it time and hang in there until it fully breaks in. I'm sure the upgrade is going to separate itself from the standard Ref5 and your upgrade investment will be well worth the money spent.
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I went to a small UK show, run by one company 2 weeks ago and it was one of the best I have been to. It even had Dan D'Agostini talking about his momentum monoblocks.

To get to the point, 2 of the 4 rooms had ARC amps, both the reference 150 and 75, on different speakers, but next door to each other. The first room had Wilson Sophias I think, initially with a Krell amp, ouch. Harsh, edgy sound. Then a reference 150 was put in instead, a collective Aaah..., from the audience. Just a lovely detailed but smooth sound, big soundstage. No loss of detail compared with the Krell, but a really musical, not etched "HiFi" sound.

Moving on to the Ref 75's, with Vertere speakers I think, a very similar sound, all the charectaristics I like. The store owner, Trevor, who I know quite well, said he has a number of customers changing from Ref 110 to Ref 75's, if that helps with the question of Ref 150 against ref110's.

My impression, for what it is worth, if your speakers are sensitive enough, the Ref 75's may be the sweetspot in the range. A review by a long time ARC fan in HiFi News a UK mag, suggested just that. He opined that for Tube amps, an output of about 75watts was optimal, with so many great amps, including ARC ones, at that level. I am sorely tempted by the 75's, when I can get the cash together.

Finally the room with the Momentum amps was in a different league, with larger Wilson speakers, I can't forget the model I'm afraid. With the new Momentum Pre, I don't think I have heard a better sound, ever. Mind you they are in a different price league too.