2. amps-preamps
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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
miyu
16 posts
 

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. 

overthemoon
428 posts
 

Fuel for thought- regarding 761 vs 861…

If you want to pilot the sound consider buying a 761 and if it doesn’t fit your needs (i.e. want a little more) buy a second and run them in mono. 

roxy1927 OP
135 posts
 

Isn't there a lot of controversary about that? I mean running stereo amps in mono even though it can be done?

jl35
4,035 posts
 

Amps that are designed to be bridged into a high powered mono block, often have trouble with low impedance loads...different than simply using one channel of each amp, which can improve sound quality but certainly questionable way to spend money...

kennyc
1,576 posts
 

@roxy1927 

Agree that best to demo as your subjective personal preferences is very important in light of the funds you’re committing to the purchase.  Otherwise you’re gambling. But, if purchased used you can resell then try again.

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