Doozy of an amp question


Still looking for my eternal love.

A forever amp. At least for now. I cannot try them out in my system as they are both beasts and it would be a nightmare getting them, paying for an audition and then returning them

I am having to go on instinct.

I have narrowed it down to two very different kinds of amps at two very different price points. And I have chosen these two because of reviews in magazines and the positive comments here and on other forums.

 

My pre is an Arc Ref 10 and my speakers are Dalis.

I am look at a tube Mc 1502 which I can afford right now or a Sim 861 for which I would have to wait to save for.

I realize it’s tube vs SS but both have their positives and a SS can have tube like characteristics which I like.

 

I’ve heard Mcintosh and liked it a lot but never heard this model.

I’ve never heard Sim but the reviews and comments about the 861 have been absolutely rhapsodic. And somebody whose opinion I trust said Sim is an excellent brand. But is this a flavor of the month model?

 

Has anybody heard both these amps. Any thoughts, opinions, advice?

 

 

roxy1927

I mean these days you can get used the Ayre monos MX R for a good price or a VAC 200iq for half of that. The problem is no auditions. You are flying on comments, reviews, reputation and the seat of your pants.

Of course I would prefer not to spend this kind of money or even deal with these kind of weights.

I would contact ARC, let them know about your preferences and have them suggest an ARC power amp to meet your needs….

Have you ever heard an ARC Ref 75? SE or original? There is so much great sound across the frequency spectrum in that amp it seems like magic. I haven’t heard the Ref 160 also mentioned above but it may also share this same magical characteristic. 
 

After I got the Ref 75 I stopped looking for amps. Turned into my forever amp.