@ shastasheen
We used to sell ARC stuff from the late 80's to 2008. They were not for everyone looking for the "tube" sound. ARC stuff always had harmonics that induced a "clarity" to their reproduction as opposed to "beautiful".
That being said, the new stuff brings forth all of the old "house sound" in an even more delineated way. Bass is crispier. Midrange more frontal and highs more shimmering. While there might have been some growing pains while Mr. Johnson was looking to improve the ARC sound until his passing, dryness is gone in my opinion while maintaining the "heft and weight" reproduction should have.
If you are looking for "realism", the new equipment brings that home in spades.
In attending an audio show in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2012, the most realistic sound I have ever heard was with the Reference 150 separates, their cd player at the time, through Verity speakers.
Some there turned away while I stood in amazement that this reproduction could come so close to realism.
It remains a matter of taste.
We used to sell ARC stuff from the late 80's to 2008. They were not for everyone looking for the "tube" sound. ARC stuff always had harmonics that induced a "clarity" to their reproduction as opposed to "beautiful".
That being said, the new stuff brings forth all of the old "house sound" in an even more delineated way. Bass is crispier. Midrange more frontal and highs more shimmering. While there might have been some growing pains while Mr. Johnson was looking to improve the ARC sound until his passing, dryness is gone in my opinion while maintaining the "heft and weight" reproduction should have.
If you are looking for "realism", the new equipment brings that home in spades.
In attending an audio show in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2012, the most realistic sound I have ever heard was with the Reference 150 separates, their cd player at the time, through Verity speakers.
Some there turned away while I stood in amazement that this reproduction could come so close to realism.
It remains a matter of taste.