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ARC SP-11 MkII vs. ARC Ref. 1 & the winner is.....

I recently had the chance to do a direct comparison between the ARC SP-11 MkII and a ARC Ref.1 preamp. I tested the preamp in the same set-up, same vaccum tubes(6DJ8), same CD player and same speakers. At first I thought the ARC Ref. 1 will easily outperformed the "out-dated" ARC SP-11 MkII(1987). But to my surprise, the ARC SP-11 MkII outperformed the ARC Ref. 1 in every ways. For example in male and female vocal, the ARC SP-11 MkII were smooth, full and sounds like a real human vocal. In comparison, the Ref.1 sounds artifical, unnatural, harsh, less body and always sounds like reproduction signal. The SP-11 MkII also matching the Ref.1 in micro/macro dynamic, speed, sound-stage etc......
After 5 hrs. of carefull comparison, I packed the Ref. 1 in its original box, sealed and listed in Audiogon and I never look back...............
edle

Showing 1 response by audiotomb

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audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
I own an LS2 MKII with a D200.
I have auditioned the Ref 1, LS22 and the LS5 mkii at home in my system
The LS5 is clearly more resolving and involving
The Ls2in my system is a hair bright and just doesn't have the musical depth and drama that the LS5 had.
The Ref1 and LS22 are not in the same league as the LS5 but are not as bright as the LS2

unfortunately one has to deal with all balanced inputs to make the jump but I'm off to an LS 5

and I thank Jafox (see post above) for calling my attention to my preamp as my weakest link in my system 6 months ago, it's people like this that make audiogon such a great place to be.
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