Since initiating this discussion I ended up trading in my Ref 150 for a Ref 160S. It’s a wonderful amp (although I could easily live without the stupid “ghost meters”). I never did hear a 150SE In my system, but I do agree that each of the steps discussed in this thread brings about only incremental improvement. The 160S does get the blue ribbon for sound staging, however. Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts!
ARC REF 150SE vs REF 160S
I currently have a Ref 6SE and Ref 150 driving a pair of Vandersteen 5a Carbons. Over time I have gradually worked my way up from Vandy 2s and an ARC VT100. Keeping with that theme, I am ready for another move up. I am torn between just upgrading the Ref150 (when ARC is able) or blowing the bank on a Ref 160S. Both are great amps, but I am interested in opinions on the comparison. The 160S meters don’t move me and I enjoy biasing my own power tubes. Will the 160S change my life?