ARC vsi75 versus ARC reference 75

I agree, I would have prefered to have heard it with the LS 17 or LS 17SE, but needs must. I still feel the difference was so dramatic, that much or most of it, was down to the amp itself. The dealer will come and install it and hopefully will bring a 17LS with him. In the short term, I will be using a Music First Audio Passive anyway, because I do'nt have the room or money for an ARC pre.
When HiFi+, reviewed the Ref 75 a few years ago, they did so with an LS 27 and Music First pre and found it different, not worse.

I should have added that the dealer had a second hand Ref 110, with K120 valves fitted, which is said to bring it close to the Ref 150. We compared the other 2 amps with the 110. The result was much closer, but I still preferred the Ref 75, a richer, fully sound, not coloured or lacking detail, just richer tonality

Good choice! Congrats on the purchase.

Mike

Just a quick update, the Ref 75 arrived recently, just leaving the small matter of paying for it. I think it is my most expensive purchase ever. Is it worth it? Yes absolutely, I think. Still worrying about the cost.

It has real drive and crispness in the sound, a deep soundstage, detailed , without being grainy. It really is a special piece of kit, I would recommend to anyone. I have sensitive Daedalus speakers, but still, I have'nt managed to move the power meters more than a micron, yet, bags of power.


The dealer domo'd the unit with an ARC ref 3, which was very nice. I managed to pick up a self build version of the Music First Audio baby reference, for $1200 and I prefer it. So a good passive pre is a good way to go.

Thanks for your advice

David,
great to know that you are enjoying the ARC/Daedalus combo.
Any thoughts on the how ARC Ref75 compares to SET amps(300B, 845 or similar) in terms of timber/layering/3Dness of the instruments within the soundstage?

Thanks.