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ARC Ref-300 or 600 or 210: Which sounds best ?

Hi,
I currenty have an Oracle CD-Transport, a Jadis JS1 D/A converter, ARC Ref2 MkII Preamp, ARC VT150 Monos, Triangle Magellan Grand Concert and two Triangle Meteor 0.4 subwoofer.
I will upgrade the ARC Ref2 MkII preamp to a ARC Ref5.
Regarding the Monos I would like to know which one is SONICALLY best at low or medium gain levels: the old 300 or 600 or the new 210? I am well aware of the many differencies between these three models regarding age, max output level, power consumption, weight and size, number of tubes,...
In terms of price they are (as used equipment) somehow comparable (all three are in the 10-14k$ range for the pair).
But which one SOUNDS best??
I anyone has personal experience with two or three of these models in comparison I am thankful for sharing it.
Thanks a lot in advance!
ozatschek

Showing 2 responses by ozatschek

ozatschek OP
12 posts
 
Hi, thanks for all your posts.
@Macdadtexas: I agree, they all sound well!
@Mitch4t: I got a Ref5 for testing today, will listen
extensivly next weekend. The dealer promised that the
difference to the Ref2MkII is huge!
@Lostbears: I do like the VT150s, but usually newer ARC equipment is better equipment...
No, I dont need the power of the 600s.
Did you ever have a chance to listen to 300s or 600s (even if not side-by-side with the 210s?
I am just curious if the extra power generally improves the sound, also at lower listening levels?
I am looking for the best sound - if that means more tubes and heat, it is ok as well...
Thanks very much!
ozatschek OP
12 posts
 
Lostbears, thanks a lot! You and Hifigeek1 give me confidence that going for the Ref 210s will be the right decision (especially given the Ref-5 being the preamp).
In terms of weight, heat, measures, number of tubes, power consumption... I am not unhappy with going for the 210s and not for the 600s (or 300s).
Looking forward to this weekend, where I will replace the
Ref2MkII with a Ref-5 (having been used already 300 hours,
so i tshould be burned in by now...).
Thanks again!
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