Hello,
I second Gmuffey on the DAC3 II which I had unmodified. It was a very musical product but after hearing the Electrcompaniet ECD1, the ARC was a bit too fatiguing and forward for my taste. However the ECD1 lacked some of the harmonic richness of the DAC3. Now with a Manley DAC, I have a presentation and extension in the bass that neither of these can touch.
And now that I have sold off all my ARC pieces, LS5 III, PH2, VT130, CL150s, DAC3 II, for greener pastures with BAT and Aesthetix, the sound I described for the DAC3 is very much the same for much of the ARC lineup. Your mileage may vary.
John
I second Gmuffey on the DAC3 II which I had unmodified. It was a very musical product but after hearing the Electrcompaniet ECD1, the ARC was a bit too fatiguing and forward for my taste. However the ECD1 lacked some of the harmonic richness of the DAC3. Now with a Manley DAC, I have a presentation and extension in the bass that neither of these can touch.
And now that I have sold off all my ARC pieces, LS5 III, PH2, VT130, CL150s, DAC3 II, for greener pastures with BAT and Aesthetix, the sound I described for the DAC3 is very much the same for much of the ARC lineup. Your mileage may vary.
John