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Audio Research REF 80S Reviews/Comparisons

Would love to hear some opinions regarding the new REF 80S and how it compares to their previous generations of amps.  Here is my ARC amp story.

Classic 120 mono blocks - Played much stronger and more dynamic than their modest 110 wpc rating.  I found them very musical and enjoyed immensely for about 2-3 years.

REF 150 (nonSE) - This was an upgrade in all aspects.  I only sold due to the next entry

GSi75 - This was a diversion I made last year as simplification gained priority in my mind and I loved the aesthetics of this masterpiece being center stage on my shelf.  I still believe it is a phenomenal integrated for someone that has efficient speakers, which I do not(89db).

REF 75SE - This amp is far superior compared to the GSi75.  I find its power more comparable to the REF 150.  I wish I had them to A-B.  I was happy with the REF 150 and I am happy with this.  

I am in no hurry to get a REF 80S...maybe in a few years when it is replaced with an SE model and the price comes down on the S.  
dhite71

Showing 4 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

@fsonicsmith

 

Congratulations. I will be interested in hearing your impressions… after the 1,000 hours mark.

I auditioned in home, a brand new ARC REF160s… then bought one… breaking it in… then because of a weak meter, I got another new one… which I broke in. I was really surprised that sound really continued to improve through 1,000 hours… although most was by 600. Then my dealer lent me a borrow a pair of REF 160m mono-blocks for the last couple months. It has been fun. Same power and design.. exactly… but separated in two chassis. I run them in triode mode (70wpc)… the power difference makes a tiny difference. But the sound is a bit more natural in triode mode. After lots of time. The soundstage is wider and deeper with the mono blocks. My conclusion is that if I had a choice of what to buy right now… I would pay the extra $12K for the mono blocks… but would not now pay to upgrade (perhaps because of the house remodel last year). I will wait for maybe the Ref 160SE (mono blocks)… or the next higher redesign… ? Ref320?.

ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

@fsonicsmith 

 

Valuable input. Thanks.

ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

FYI… on power cords for your new Ref 80’s. My REF 160s (same design) is very sensitive to changes in power cords. I have been tried all versions of Cardas Clear… in my system they are all warm… but attenuate the details a bit too much… although has more detailed upper bass. I tried Transparent (not the ones specifically made for an amp) this was great on details but the bass lost heft. So, I tried a Audio Quest Monsoon and seems just right. I bought one… I may try a Dragon sometime, a member here recommended it.

 

The difference between the Cardas and Audio Quest was not subtle at all. Actually a bigger difference than between the REF160s and the REF160m monoblocks.

ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

@fsonicsmith

 

Thanks for your comments. You are in for a treat. If I haven’t mentioned this, you can expect mediocre performance for for about 100 hours… pretty good til around 120… then flipping back and forth between good and bad… then after 150 hours good performance… getting better through 600… and while the slope of improvement decreases, the amp continues to improve through 1,000 hours.

 

I can’t imagine anyone leaving the cage on the amp. It is great seeing the tubes. I must admit to really liking the meters… I know it is just for show… love the show.

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