It’s been a little while since I’ve posted, but I am proud to share my recent upgrades to my system. It’s been a very special year, and having a milestone birthday with probably the worlds greatest wife, I’ve upgraded my ARC LS-17 and DS450 to a Ref 6 and Ref 75se. Since I no longer use my Maggie’s, I no longer need brute power.
They are both still breaking in, the ref 6 being ahead of the Ref75se, but the sound is just exceptional. The system is beyond amazing, and to think that it will only get better. It’s shut the lights, light a candle, and be transported to the venue good. The ref75 still has a loooong way to go to reach 600 hours, but I can say that I am one happy camper.
The lack of grain is amazing. Sure it doesn’t have quite the insane supply reserve for startling dynamics that the DS450 has, but the huge power cut is of no worry, especially with my proacs. I’m thinking with some burn in however, that dynamics will continue to improve. Not that I’m complaining I’m the least, because comparing apples to oranges, this little tube amp is fierce in the dynamics.
For me, the 8ohm tap was the obvious choice, even with my speaker rating at 4 ohm. It just sings. What a refined, mature sound. I understand what the hub bub is about now. I’m in love.
To Larry, I certainly understand the confusion. But sometimes it is not too difficult to figure out. Just cut and paste the abbreviation, put it in your search engine and see what this refers to in terms of audio. Sometimes these numbers refer to something completely different but scroll down until you come to an audio component as in DS450.
Then unfortunately different components from different makes have the same number as in the 75se. I am very interested in this as I have an arc ref 10 and I'm looking for an amp that will be a tube component match for it to replace my ss(solid state) amp. Well it turns out that BAT had a 75se years ago but eventually with some time you figure these things out. As they say google is your friend and an expedient dictionary.
I am glad that audiolover718 is crazy about his because that helps me to know if I want to move in this direction.
Coming up at around 60 hours now. Always sounds amazing, but I will say that some days sound better than others. With my schedule, it will take me a while to rack up the hours for burn in, and unfortunately being an all tube system, turning it on and closing the door for 2 weeks is out of the question. After 60 hours, there is very noticeable increase in micro detail and finesse, although as of late, I feel like the depth could be better. (Could Be the ref 6 still Burning in).......The roller coaster of burn in!
What strikes me all the time however, is how the the ref 75se can unravel complexities so much better then my previous DS450. It is an x ray of the soundfield but it doesn’t sound clinical. It’s musical. Not hi fi pyrotechnic sizzles and boom.
Incidental noises on recordings are more discernible. Chair creaks, coughs, etc..you can see these things very easily. It’s imaging that I’ve rarely encountered before, and it’s satisfying to have it finally in my own system to enjoy. These two pieces work extremely well together.
I do remember reading a thread about a member who was breaking in their ref 6 and complained about it being bass shy at times and being a little on the bright side. Someone had mentioned that’s some people only notice the preamp get better and better and wondered why some people got "schizophrenic ref 6’s". some people, were quick to be dismissive and state there must be something with his system for him to hear differences from day to day. I wouldnt go that far with mine, but I do concur with OP stating they could hear differences as his ref 6 was burning in. I hear it as well.
I had the ref 6 for about six months before getting the ref 75se. I put about 200 hours on it before the ref 75. While the ref 6 was an obvious improvement on the Ls17, the ref 75se is to my ears, an even bigger improvement on the DS450. I would imagine because the ds450 and ref75 are different topologies all together, while the already tubed LS-17 is more of a scaled and stripped down version of ARC’s better Tube preamps.
The ribbons on the proacs with tubes is absolute magic. It’s true, ARC and ProAc are a phenominal match. Shout out to JohnnyR and his associates at audio connection in Verona, NJ for their guidance and help. Great place to audition this gear. Be prepared though, you may fall in lust.
My love for this hobby has been rekindled, for sure. I have so much old music rediscover and enjoy! Feeling quite blessed. 😌
OK I'm jealous. If you add a linn lp12 to that you have my dream system. I've spent hours listening to ProAc with AR at my local shop and fell in love with the sound. I'm sure it will give you years of pleasure.
My dream system as well. Huge ProAc fanboy here. I’m very fond of British loudspeakers. My entry level B&W floorstanders are quite pleasing & have served me well. The D48’s are a whole other animal. Be all end all type of gear. Congrats Sir!
Oh & you’d troll defense game is strong as well lmao. Good on you!
When I heard the ref6 it was love at first listen. That being said, I like keeping the synergy of brands with my gear. I feel the synergistic effect of having a matching system can cause it to be greater than the sum of its parts. While there may be better out there for the money, I enjoy my ARC gear and consider them to be a very safe “go to” for hi quality sound. I wasn’t really looking to mix and match, although, I’m sure many have phenomenal outcomes doing so.
Thanks Gregdude! Yes a lot of overtime and an awesome wife made it all happen. I’m like a kid with a new bike. Im very taken by how smooth the highs are. They extend very well without being too bright. Listening to Roger Waters Amused to Death is mind boggling experience. The speakers disappear and are able to show all off the wizardry of the mix. Incredible!
I’m sorry, as a relatively new member, you’re not off to good start imho, especially with me. If you’re going to troll me, get to know me first. Have a little respect. You come across as rude and condescending. I’m no snowflake, but that rubbed me the wrong way.
Yes, there are a few typos here and there in my post. But most of us should be able get past them and comprehend the message......I tapped it into my phone and not on my computer. Forgive me. However, I do not feel that there was any “mumbling”. Im sure people were able to understand what I was trying to convey.
Let’s start over, shall we?
Anyway, I’m very excited to have finally achieved this kind of quality gear. It’s a long time in the making. I’ve been a member here for several years and other members know what has come and gone in my system. For some reason, I do not see my virtual system listed anymore. Strange. I will have to recreate one.
Audio Research LS-17 preamplifier Audio Research DS450 Class D power amplifier Audio Research Reference 6 preamplifier Audio Research Reference 75se vacuum tube stereo amplifier
I am new to this hobby and I do not have a clue what you are talk about when you refer to
ARC LS-17 and DS450 to a Ref 6 and Ref 75se. A lot of these discussions use these types of abbreviations and for people like me, it is really difficult for me to follow.
The ARC Ref6 pre/Ref75 SE are a great match. Heard it a week ago with TAD ME-1s and it is very very good. Also heard with Wilsons (Sabrina and Sasha 2s and Sasha DAW) and that is really good too. Great synergy with those two ARC components.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
