The best things for me is that 80s have RCA input besides with XLR. They finally realize that both kinds of input will be more welcomed than that before with XLR only.
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.
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.
Showing 3 responses by runwell
@fsonicsmith I agree. If you are talking the same pre, I will choose XLR output too. But if the pre has only RCA output, and I love that sound,then there is no choice. We must ask the power amplifier with RCA input. Conrad Johnson , VTSP 360 and Rega pre ,and Luxman Cl38uc ,they are all very good,but go down with RCA only. I listen to many pres and till now,I stay with the pre with RCA only. At end of day, What kind of house sound let you make the decision.
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