"So is the GS150 really just a
REF150 with new looks? �As with
many designs from Audio Research,
the GS150 is an evolutionary step
from the REF150�, explained
Warren. �For while the two amplifiers
share many common aspects, **there
have been numerous parts and
layout changes which affect the
sound.**"
The question that I BELIEVE up until has not been answered definitively is whether there is any difference between the Ref150SE and the GS150 other than the latter's fancier case/meters. One poster in another thread suggested based upon a magazine review that the GS150 "blows the Ref 150 out of the water" (which I doubt) but what about the GS150 vs. the Ref150SE? Does the extra money buy a better circuit layout or parts inside? So as a registered ARC owner, I just emailed ARC that exact question last evening and just got this response; "they are sonically the same." If you watch Mike Fremers two videos on Youtube of the ARC factory tour, there's a short section/exchange in which Warren Gehl says he uses the Ref150SE as his benchmark for subjective listening checks on all outgoing amps (unless I misunderstood the exchange and video).That explains that. I love the looks of the GS150-more than the staid looks of the Ref150SE. But is it worth the extra dough for the bling? Is ARC's Italian ownership going a bit over the line in making ARC gear resemble the stablemate McIntosh kit without the McIntosh blue meters? I have to wonder but again, I would take the beautiful GS150 any day of the week and Sunday too if they were close in price. I am biased-I just bought a dealer demo Ref150SE to go along with a brand new Ref 6 to replace a 25 year old tubed preamp and a 12 year old VS110. I'm happy but poorer! I have a fluke meter for my VS110 so I'm set in that respect.
REF150 with new looks? �As with
many designs from Audio Research,
the GS150 is an evolutionary step
from the REF150�, explained
Warren. �For while the two amplifiers
share many common aspects, **there
have been numerous parts and
layout changes which affect the
sound.**"
The question that I BELIEVE up until has not been answered definitively is whether there is any difference between the Ref150SE and the GS150 other than the latter's fancier case/meters. One poster in another thread suggested based upon a magazine review that the GS150 "blows the Ref 150 out of the water" (which I doubt) but what about the GS150 vs. the Ref150SE? Does the extra money buy a better circuit layout or parts inside? So as a registered ARC owner, I just emailed ARC that exact question last evening and just got this response; "they are sonically the same." If you watch Mike Fremers two videos on Youtube of the ARC factory tour, there's a short section/exchange in which Warren Gehl says he uses the Ref150SE as his benchmark for subjective listening checks on all outgoing amps (unless I misunderstood the exchange and video).That explains that. I love the looks of the GS150-more than the staid looks of the Ref150SE. But is it worth the extra dough for the bling? Is ARC's Italian ownership going a bit over the line in making ARC gear resemble the stablemate McIntosh kit without the McIntosh blue meters? I have to wonder but again, I would take the beautiful GS150 any day of the week and Sunday too if they were close in price. I am biased-I just bought a dealer demo Ref150SE to go along with a brand new Ref 6 to replace a 25 year old tubed preamp and a 12 year old VS110. I'm happy but poorer! I have a fluke meter for my VS110 so I'm set in that respect.