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Fo Audio Research Ref 10 owners, Best Amp?

What amp did you find worked best with this pre amp?

Did it depend on wattage? I am currently using 250 per channel.

Do I need more?

Or is it the synergy with a certain amp?

I know I am not getting all the potential of this pre. Something is holding it back.

And I know my system is capable of so much more. The problem is I had auditioned somebody's ref 10 and it sounded miraculous. The walls of my apartment disappeared and I wanted to listen to all of my many many cds again. It got difficult just leaving to do the things I needed to do. Ever feel that way with your system?

The kicker is I don't remember which amp I was using! I was trying out many amps and not keeping notes. It was a long time ago. Everything else is exactly the same-transprt, Dac, Speakers. 

If any of you are so inclined let me know what amp you found goes best with your ref 10 and let me know if you've found that nirvana I ever so briefly enjoyed.

Thank you for your time.

roxy1927
roxy1927 OP
125 posts
 

Dali Epicon 8.

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

Well, I own an ARC Reference 6SE, and before a REF5se. In the past I have used Pass amps, like most recently the Pass 350. The moment I put a ARC Reference 160s and 160m mono locks I knew that was the end of my long relationship with solid state amps. Absolutely magical. I went from 45 minute listening sessions to three hour sessions.

 

In fact I then swapped my DAC for a ARC Reference 9CD SE DAC and the synergy became really obvious. While very detailed the overall musicality and natural character became even greater.

I have not heard the REF 10… however the LS 28SE and Ref 5 - 6SE clearly share the same sound signature, so I am sure this will be a nearly identical match.

 

Wattage matters a lot with solid state and is no where nearly as important with tube gear. 350 wpc sounded about right with my Sonus Faber Amati…~ 90db sensitivity… I am running them now with my Ref 160 in triode mode with 70wpc… more than enough power at any volume.

woodman2
9 posts
 

I have the Ref 10 and my amp is the Ref 75se. Speakers are Sonus Faber Olympica Nova III at 91db sensitivity. My room is 13 x13 and I don’t usually exceed 80db while listening with volume under 50 with the meters not reaching 1 watt. Great soundstage and imaging. I heard this preamp with the Ref 250 at the dealer in a large room and it was holographic. Any Audio Research amp will be great, just pick the power you need. You need way less than you think.

Phil

 

 

 

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,036 posts
 

I have no idea, but it might help if you provided a list of the amplifiers you tested.

 

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