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Audio Research Reference 6 or Mark Levinson Reference n32

Hi all, 
I own a ML Ref n32 preamp with the phonostage. I am very tempted to buy the audio research reference 6, replacing ML 32, but I'm afraid to regret the splendid performance of the ML 32.

Did any of you have a chance to compare? What advice do you feel to give me?
I listen only vinyl and if I'll buy the ARC Ref6 I'll need a pre phono..

haine

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
4,300 posts
 

I own a 32 preamp too.  It is currently on loan to a friend.  I now use a tube linestage and separate phono stage, but, the linestage is a custom-built job so it cannot really be compared to anything.  The other linestage that I own is a Emotive Audio Epifania, which is also fairly exotic.  Both tube linestages are more "vivid" sounding and deliver a more enveloping soundstage, but, neither have the incredible flexibility and convenience of the Levinson.  The Levinson sounds good--very smooth and poised-- but, it is a little on the dark and dull side. 


You might like a high end tube linestage, but, if I were you, I would look at a lot of different alternatives.  There is a much wider variety of sounds with tube gear than with most solid state stuff; including tube gear that sounds leaner and meaner and rougher than top solid state stuff (don't fall for the tube-gear-is-warm-and-euphonic line, it can be just the opposite).

larryi
4,300 posts
 
Haine, 

I find the Reference No. 32 to be a very composed, easy to listen to linestage.  But, like most things solid state, it lacks a little bit of a "spark" of liveliness or vividness that comes with really good tube linestages.  It also tends to not throw as expansive and enveloping a soundstage as some tube gear is capable of delivering.  Whether these tube qualities are realistic or natural, as opposed to a coloration, I don't know, but I do like those qualities.  Still, the Reference No. 32 is a very fine instrument.

Other than the two tube linestages I own, neither widely available, I have not heard any other in my system recently so I can only make rough comments about what is out there.  I've heard really nice systems with Audio Note, Kondo  and Shindo linestages, so these make good candidates, in my opinion.

In the past, I really disliked Audio Research linestages--they sounded thin, harmonically bleached and sterile to me.  But, starting with the Reference 5, they have sounded better.  I haven't heard them in a system I amp very familiar with, so it is just a case of no longer writing that brand off.
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