Audio Research reference amplifiers used with RCA IC`s and unbalanced preamplifiers

oldrooney

I too tend to turn up some music slightly as I find there is a "sweet spot" where the music opens up and is dependent upon the track and music. As you say it needs a little"oomph"  to get it to sound good.

ghdprentice

I do listen to some music in the 65 to 75 db range and it sounds very good. it's dependent on the recording. Agreed  the better mysystem has beccome the need for less volume.

ghdprentice

Thanks your suggestion makes sense.If I purchase the ARC amp and really like it I could  sell off several preamps and IC'S and go all ARC with balanced interconnects.

cleeds

Thanks. My 2 current amplifiers are both tubes class a/b so I don't think I would incur any extra electric expense.

I understand I may not get maximum performance but as 2 of the 3 preamps are rca only I did not want to spend money on IC's that can only be used with one preamp. 

newbee

Thanks for input. I have no IC'S longer than 2.5 meters in the system.

I was wondering if the output impedance of my preamps makes a difference?

relating to the input impedance of the ARC amps . The ARC amps are both 300k ohm input impedance while my amplifiers are 47kohms and 25 kw input impedance,

cleeds

yeah ouch!! Not looking for added service expense/shipping  if possible. I don't repair but am capable of changing tubes, biasing, changing fuses. 

I do have an audio technician who does repairs for me at a reasonable cost  

atmasphere

Thanks thats good information from an insider at ARC. I would try to purchase the ampliifier with a return provision ,if possible . 

newbee 

my preamps output impedances are as follows:

200 ohms from the Wavestream Kinetics

150 ohms from the Wyetech Ruby

3500 ohms from the updated /customized Counterpoint SA5000

Does anyone have experience with ARC latest iteration , the Reference 80se amplifier at 70 watts/channel as compared to the Reference 75SE soundwise? 

THE REF 80SE has rca inputs on the unit so I guess using RCA IC's would not be a problem? 

johnread57

Thanks , Sounds like your fully balanced from source to speakers. Will take a look at your system.

speedthrills

Thanks. I agree it's a good idea to contact ARC directly and will do so as their answer will be definitive. 

Just curious how much wattage do your 75se and 150se put out in triode mode?

cant seem to find any data on this. 

speedthrills

My bad I was actually referring to an article I read on the new arc reference 80 SE amplifier. It is switchable  from Ultra linear to triode mode but I can't seem to find the power rating for the triode setting.

The 80 SE is 70 watts per Channel in Ultra linear I'm thinking the triode setting might be only half that which might not be enough for my speakers. 150 watts per Channel is probably Overkill for my room and listening habits. My room is 15 by 17 with 8 ft ceiling and I listen from 75 to 85 DB nothing louder

ghdprentice

Thanks. That's what I thought 35 Watts or half of 70 Watts.

Well it seems like you're saying that the difference in power/quality switching in your system is not that much different.

Was curious as to what levels your spl's are? Mine or 75 to 85 DB

ghdprentice

yes just peaks at 85db . If the music goes to continuous spl over 80 db I turn it down to 80db or less. I am aiming for the system to sound best at 70db -80db.

Thats one of the important points about getting better gear. To be able to listen at a lower spl level and achieve maximum enjoyment .  

marco1

Agreed.Have to watch those high SPL'S as we are getting older.