2. amps-preamps
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Aesthetix Signature Atlas monos vs ARC Ref 210 monos for mbl 101's

I currently run Parasound JC-1's and wonder if it would be a substantial upgrade to move to either:

Aesthetix Signature Mono Blocks
OR
ARC Ref 210 Mono Blocks
TO
Drive my mbl 101's

I live hundreds of miles from a dealer so direct A-B Comps are out.

Based on (JV's) review in Absolute Sound, I know this model will drive them and quite well in his humble opinion.  But several reviews on the Aesthetix Sig Monos look more than interesting and a little more power, although, bipolar vs the tube output of the ARC Amps.

Thoughts and thank you...

1985tqc
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tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
that is indeed a dilemma..
most of my time w 101 was with Musical Fidelity AMS amp...a beast of an amp...sadly discontinued..
my exp with 210 is low bass drive and definition lacking. mids great but obsoleted by new ref and especially ref se.
the Aesthetix in sig or normal have incredible bass and are quite refined for SS. i spent considerable time with stereo sig before choosing Ayre. i have an easy load to drive tho.
the 101's in a decent sized room are magical


drobin07
28 posts
 
The 2010 Stereophile review of the Aesthetix Atlas, which you can find on their website, has a direct comparison with the JC1s. This was for the one box non signature version of the Atlas, but may still give you a sense of the differences,

David
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