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Audio Research Reference Linestages

Just want to hear if anyone else have a similar experience that I do.
Some 8 years ago I bought my first ARC Ref linestage.
It was Ref2 mk2, which I first enjoyed very much, but soon I found the bass to be to close in the soundstage and the treble too far away which never allowed the soundstage to get really homogenous and create the real music event.
When comparing with a Conrad Johnson LS17 it was very easy to hear that Ref2 mk2 had some issues with it's soundstage.
But I'm a fan of ARC's high energy "big" sound so I bought a used Ref One (later model with Infinicaps and detachable powercord), and it easily beat Ref2 mk2 in every way.
There I had the perfect soundstage with great dynamics.
It simply sounded more complete and homogenous than Ref2 mk2. Still not the last air in the highest treble that C-J LS17 have, but the rest was much better with Ref One.
Recently I tried to replace my Ref One with Ref 3, but after 3 months I gave up.
I found Ref3 to lack dynamics and the perfect soundstage of my Ref One. It simply sounded less involving and a bit lame compared to my Ref One.

Anyone else that have kept their Ref One simply because the find it to sound better than later ARC Ref linestages ?
flex2
flex2 OP
30 posts
 
Jwm:

I don't see why a leaner sounding can't be more musical.
IMHO any of the better Conrad Johnson's is more musical than any of the Ref preamps I have owned and at the same time leaner sounding.

Remember that Ref One have 12 dB feedback while Ref 5 have no feedback.
When adding feedback you mostly get a fuller, wider and cleaner sound, but loose in musicality and soundstage depth.
It's a delicate act of balance to get the right mix and the best possible sound from a design.
flex2 OP
30 posts
 
Pubul57

Considering that Ref One costed $9000 when released 1995 and Ref 5 costs $12000 when released 14 years later I would say that Ref One is any "cheaper" than Ref 5 if you look at the general price development over the years.

But if you look at the price you would need to pay for a used Ref your right.
flex2 OP
30 posts
 
Tim, just out of curiousity, which preamp are you using ?
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
You can't buy one new nowadays:)
jwm
918 posts
 
I own the VAC Sig Preamp and it uses no feedback but does not sound lean and is the most musical line stage I ever owned. It replaced the AR Ref 2 Mark 2.
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