ARC Ref phono 2 vs ASR Basis Excl 2010

I recently received my ARC Ref 2 phono back from GNS, after they performed their Statement mods, plus adding XLR input sockets. The sound is superb.

Stickman, agree not cheap, especially when I add shipping to & fro across the pond to GNS. But hey, to me performances sounded better than the Ypsilon VPS 100 Phono stage that I tried recently and cost less.

Hi Stickman, what Mike Fremer said back in January on 'Gon was, "I have only heard the Ref 2 at CES this past week. I found the bottom end a bit fat and out of control, which is what I found on the PH7 too. I know because we brought the admittedly far more expensive Ypsilon VPS100 into the room (it was the Continuum room) to audition for the CEO of Atlantic Records and the difference was enormous--and the Ypsilon is also tubes. I liked much of what the ARC Ref 2 did, but if you have a full range system and a turntable that has deep, solid bass, i believe the Ref 2 will not provide you with all that your system and/or turntable can offer you. Just my opinion..."

I replied, "I agree with you on PH7 in a full range system Mike and sold mine for that reason, with not many hours. Just bought a Ref 2 and its away getting modified right now - will post how that turns out.
I heard what Ypsilon pre & power amps can do driving the big SoundLabs in Singapore with a Thales t/t set-up, made me think about my own system and how inadequate it sounded in some areas. Bit a out of my budget."

I can now say that IMO: the ARC Ref phono 2 modded by GNS does NOT sound a bit fat & out of control in my full range system, and has deep solid bass.

Like an unmodified ARC REF 2 phono :)

Apart from collecting records, I love modifying or having modified every piece of gear that I own.

Nothing is wrong with the standard ARC Ref 2 Phono, just that I think it can be improved upon, in my opinion.

Some of us are also the type of audiophiles for whom the pleasure remains long after the price and warranty has been forgotten.