Audio Research REF 75SE and REF 80S

Does anyone know if the new REF 80S is an upgrade over the REF 75SE, or more of a side grade? Did AR do away with the SE suffix? Thanks.

ken621703-03-2021 2:50am

jjss49 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,612 posts 03-03-2021 at 06:04am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete update to ref75se autobias incorporated and a fan (one of the best things about ref75 was NO FAN!!!) se designation was given to earlier reference amps to designate their ability to run newest most powerful kt150 tubes... now it is the standard tube, so no more ’se’ needed seems like an update, not so much an upgrade, certainly not a new model/breakthrough... but who knows if and by how much the sound may have improved... my guess is not by much
jjss49 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,612 posts 03-05-2021 at 01:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete the triode / ul switching option is definitely a new wrinkle now added - no doubt in response to their sense of primaluna siphoning quite a bit of low end model sales...