2. amps-preamps
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Arc Ref 75se vs D'Agostino Momentum Stereo

    I have the opportunity to upgrade (?) to a D'Agostino Momentum Stereo for a good price. I was previously using a bought new  Ref 75 se which blew 2 tubes at the 30 hour mark. Despite being biased every 2 weeks. However, not only did the tubes blow ( due to the deterioration of the of the cathode coating of 2 tubes, I was told ) and the biasing resistor, it took a big chunk of the gold trace on the pcb and shortened the transformers as well.  This caused quite a stir between me, my dealer and Arc which took several months to resolve as I'm not based in the US. In the meantime, I was using a loaner ref 110 to tide me over. To make a long story short, just as my replacement 75 se (new ) arrives, I get an offer from my friend on the Momentums.  I have been traumatized by this experience so I was thinking of staying away from Arc power amps ( I've read some posts on similar problems ) hence willing to the try the Momentums.
     I am basically a tube guy so an SS amp even though the Momentums are suppose to be warm they don't have that tube bloom which I can't seem to live without.  I've been doing an A/B the last few days between the Ref 110(I know is' not the same without the kt 150's and all ) and the Momentum cause in case I get the Momentum's I can sell the Ref 75 SE sealed in the box as in "new".  I can seem to decide as both have their strengths and weaknesses. The rest of my system consists of

Ref 6 pre
Von Shweikert Audio Vr 44 Aktivs
Estoteric K07 sacd/cd player
VPI Prime with ADS and Benz Micro LPS-MR
IC's are all MIT - oracle and shotguns
PC's are all Shunyata alpha series.
Speaker Cables MIT Matrix 28
Room size 35 sq.m.

    Points I am considering, synergy among the same manufacturer's, the Vr 44's  are active so I don't really need a lot of power just enough for the tweeter and midrange. But those Momentums look gorgeous and the deal is quite good. From my recent A/B tests, IMHO I noticed that the ARC does better with vinyl while the Momentums does better on Cd and streaming from my macbook to the esoteric. Help me decide, your inputs are welcome. This offer expires in a few days so I have to decide quick. Thanx.
 
attymbb

Showing 4 responses by dev

dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 

I also own a REF6 & 75SE - zero issues, sorry to read about yours - that sucks big time but in the end you have a New unit.

I've had solid state melt downs so anything is possible with any gear.

I have tried a few solid state including the DAG, very nice combo and I like tube pre and ss amp combo but once I put the 75se back in I find it just provides sonic's over all that no other combo does. The voices, instruments, holograph stage - more realistic base to me too where others can sound mechanical.

I no longer crave looking and just enjoy listening which in the end it's all about.

Obviously it's a personal call and there are so many factors that come into play including the rest of your set-up and your personal taste, I would like to add that I find I can play any type of music and enjoy where as with other combo's not so much.

I also have a Esoteric disc spinner - K-01 but mainly a vinyl listener. 

Have my 75SE placed upon a Sistrum platform, a great product and also allows endless air flow.

It's a never ending journey!

dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 

jetter, your comments are misleading suggesting a problem with ARC.

One can have issues with any product, in the end it's how such gets handled and receiving a Brand New replacement is as good as one can get and why you deal with a dealer so they can deal with such. I would imagine there are allot of ARC pces sold - do you know how many comparing too % of ones which have issues. I do not read much if any issues - does yours differ because you make such comments suggesting so.

inna, do you not like ARC?, if not it's your own opinion and maybe best kept there as many others differ like myself. Have you ever had an issue with any pces you currently or past have owned and if so were they replaced with a Brand New pce - most likely not.

The Ref6 and 75SE is a amazing combo and this is coming from someone with allot of personal experience with different manufactures, one can read back dated posting of mine.

I agree OP can look at upgrading other components which will further enhance his listening pleasure. :) and yes many cables out there are the prices of components and then some - it's a never ending journey. 

dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 

jetter -  don't agree with your statement when you say:


"I can say that I read about more problems with ARC amps (only the amps) than any other brand."

That just isn't true.

dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 

keithr - thx - I just try to assist people coming from an actual owners perspective be it good or bad and I having owned said products or had in my system and not just sitting behind a screen pushing those keys away like so many do, I see some things just haven't changed.

I have an appreciation for numerous speaker designs and combo's and as you know I have owned numerous. This hobby is crazy in a sense because you will always be chasing your tail sorta speaking - it's a never ending journey, in the end what compromises are you willing to live with. What is important is too enjoy the music which can move you.

No I have not had any SET in house to compare but will eventually. Something about these two ARC pces and my AGs just work, currently there is nothing that bothers me - I'm just enjoying! The AG's offer allot of what I enjoyed about my MBL's but I really love the efficiency of AGs :)

 

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