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Audio Research SD135 vs 100.2

Has anyone done a shootout between these two amps? I owned a 100.2 -- and I thought it was a fantastic amp -- but if memory serves me correctly the SD135 (which I also own) is noticeably better.

As good as it is, the 100.2 has some mid-bass bloom that the SD135 does not have. The SD135 also seems to have a bit more clarity. It just strikes me as odd that the SD135 gets absolutely no media exposure or any attention here.

It's possible that my memory fails me, but I don't think so. It's probably the old story about ARC getting no respect for its solid-state amps because it is, after all, known for its tube amps.
9rw

Showing 1 response by kwanbul

kwanbul
1 posts
 
I have had both amplifiers and found the SD135 considerably
smoother more natural sounding. Bass response has less boom.
I switched to solid state from ARC tube amps a few years ago (most notably the 100.2), I have been much happier with
the SD135. The 100.2 ran very hot, probably accounting for
it's harsher tone.

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