2. amps-preamps
  3. 191411-189245

McIntosh MC312 vs. ARC Reference 150

Greetings!

I am very happy with my Mac MC312 power amp but the other day, on a whim (this darn hobby does that to you sometimes…) I purchased a used ARC Reference 150 (non-SE) tube amp. (The amp had the KT120 tubes replaced just 150 hrs ago.)

I am not planning to replace the Mac, but perhaps switch them in and out. (On a whim means I don’t really have a plan…)

Either way I am exited to receive it and though I’d ask this knowledgeable forum what I can expect in sound “signature” (for a lack of a better all-encompassing term) between the MC312 and the R150?

The rest of my system is a Rega P10 tt with Apheta 3 cart, a Simaudio MOON 310LP/320S phono stage/linear power supply, a PrimaLuna EVO 400 tube preamp, and GoldenEar Triton One.R speakers. 
 

Would love to tap into any thoughts you all have about these two amps and the difference I can expect. Thanks!

bimmerlover

Showing 2 responses by curiousjim

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,088 posts
 

@bimmerlover 

Depending on the tubes used in the ARC, both amps can sound similar, but…. Do you what KT120’s they bought? Were they matched pairs? Do you know if the other tubes have been replaced? If so with what? Any updates or mods? 
I bought a tube amp maybe ten years ago and it came with new tubes. Unfortunately they were the bottom of the line EH tubes and the amp sounded awful!  Anyway, if the Ref 150 is anywhere close to spec, I’m sure you will love the sound.

 

 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,088 posts
 

@bimmerlover 

Yeah, a lot of people put in the kt150’s.  ARC put them in the SE model as well.

Question,  do you have a 20 amp outlet near your rig?  ARC uses 20 PC’s on almost everything.

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