ARC vsi75 versus ARC reference 75

David: Having used a variety of ARC products with my Daedalus DA-1.1's I wonder if you have considered other potentially more synergistic matches. While I have not heard the ARC Ref 75 with the LS17 (or even separately) I am familiar with their house sound which may be a bit leaner than some other similarly priced kit. I had an SP16, LS26 and 100.2, 150.2 and SD135 all rotate through my system and there are many things to love: great build quality, ergonomics, frequency extension, resolution and quiet operation. But the Modwright/Herron combo I am using now is far superior in most respects, particularly in capturing the musical energy and tonality of the event. There may be other less expensive options to consider as well, such as the Modwright integrated. If you are set on the ARC gear then I would guess that the separates will outperform the integrated but would step up the linestage to an LS 27 at a minimum--even if that meant going with a less costly amp.

Thanks guys, I know Lou at daedalus is sold on Modwright and I understand what he likes about them, but I just find the power amps a tad dry and solid state like. The ARC 75 has all the detail and dynamics, but just has more body, a fuller sound, that I like. I think I have always been sold on tubes. I will of course, try the amps out with my speakers first, but at a recent small, 4 room dealer show, I think everyone there was just entranced by what the reference 75 could do, better perhaps than the reference 150

"If you are set on the ARC gear then I would guess that the separates will outperform the integrated but would step up the linestage to an LS 27 at a minimum--even if that meant going with a less costly amp."

I agree.

I am sure they both sound wonderful and that you would be happy with either one. If you really want a one-box solution then the Integrated is the obvious answer. And I also agree with dodgealum concerning his pre-amp suggestion.

Chuck

I am going to compare them in the store, when the integrated is in, I will report back. To change the subject slightly. I don't know anything about the hierachy of ARC Pre's. I know the LS27 is better than the LS17, how about some older units like an LS 26, how would that compare with a 27. This is just if I do find the separates are clearly better than the integrated