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Newbie needs help on Audio Research and DynAudio Quality


Hello all,

 

I am a newbie to high end home audio and need help from all of you audiophiles out there. I was actually into high end car audio back to when I was younger so I kinda understand what sound quality level can be considered at audiophile standard. I bought this set up (2 mono amps Audio Research Classic 120, Audio Research LS22 preamp, Dynaudio Contour 1.8 mkII, Rega Planet CD player) 4 years ago and did not have time and room to put them up to enjoy until recently. After setting them up last week, I was very disappointed at the performance. The sound was harsh and I would get tired after listening to 2-3 songs. I remember when I picked up the speakers, the previous owner played a couple of songs using his turntable and it was warm, clear and enjoyable (I could not remember what equipment he had back then). I have another set of solid state stuff to play around which includes Luxman M-12 amplifier, Sansui CA-2000 preamp, JBL 4311B, and same CD player Rega Planet. The sound quality is much better compared to ARC set. I expect that the ARC set at least has to be at entry level of audiophile but what I got out from it is disappointing. I need help from you experts to point out what is wrong or what I should expect from Audio Research.

Best Regards,

Dan


sqlover

Showing 7 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
You could even try running the JBLs off the ARC amp. The 8 ohm JBLs are inherently more tube amp friendly than the 4 ohm Dyns. Worth a try! You never know what you will find to sound best. In general amps tend to have higher distortion levels overall into 4 ohm nominal impedance loads than 8. You could then try both the 8 or 4 ohm taps of the amp and compare. Whatever you end up doing trying various combos of what you have is definitely worthwhile. You never know exactly what you will hear until you hear it.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
The JBLs listed nominal impedance is 8 ohm. The Dynaudios 4 ohm. I do not see an output impedance spec for the Luxman amp but its a safe bet being a SS amp that it is low and not an issue that would prohibit its use with 4ohm nominal speakers. This is of course as always assuming the amp is in decent working order.

The JBLs are likely an easier load to drive, but you can still use most any SS amp with 4ohm nominal impedance speakers safely. As always, just do not overdue it. Start at lower volume and go up gradually. If you hear signs of audible noise or distortion turn it down. Also check to make sure the amp is not getting too hot in that it will have to work harder into a 4ohm load than with 8.



mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
Almarg yes one can presume that is the case and most likely should be just not clearly identified in that spec as written.

If if everything is properly connected and working properly including broken in as you alluded to earlier then it just may be that is not the right amp for that particular user.

OP it has nothing to do with quality of ARC gear in general FWIW. All ARC amps are different and this may just not be the right one for you if things continue as is currently. Break in of amps and speakers is a real phenomenon. Maybe that would help. If not consider a different amp for comparison. Something high power and high current. I’d recommend Trying a newer high quality class d amp if it comes to that. Give the Luxman a shot if not already. That might do just fine.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
Hey Al the way the manual is written the 45 damping factor may only be when used with 16 ohm speakers. The amps input stage is semiconductor based, the output tube. Could this tube amp similarly produce a damping factor of 45 into a 4 ohm load?  Maybe but do you see in the specs where that is indicated?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
Yes the multiple outputs for various impedance levels does cover that.

The speaker specs indicate bass range impedance down to 3.8 ohm. Not natural turf for a tube amp. The speaker specs are fairly detailed for a product manual but specs still leave grey areas. Plus the current operating condition is not clear. It is very hard to say without actually being able to hear what the op hears. I’d give the Luxman a shot for comparison if not done already. Perhaps the ARC amps just need a tune up. They look pretty beefy like they should be reasonably up to the task. Still 4 ohm and less in the bass region and most tube amps are not a natural match from a low distortion perspective.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
Almarg how would you reconcile the manual indicating same power into 4 8 and 16 ohm with doubling down power into the same? It is a hybrid design so that would bode well in terms of having low output impedance for a tube based amp.

Those amps were introduced in 1990 and not used for several years. It's  possible they are not operating up to spec.

I suspected the larger models would be an easier drive but did not check the specs. Good catch! Dynaudios in general seem to get the rap of being towards the power and current hungry end of things.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,863 posts
 
Is it safe to assume the ARC gear including all tubes are in good working order? I’d make sure.

If so, those ARC amps still may not be a great match to drive Dynaudio speakers properly. Not surprised the SS Luxman sounds better. The manual online says Classic 120 produces same power to 4 8 or 16 ohm loads. I have Dynaudio Contour 1.3 mkII. You want SS amps that double power output from 8 to 4 ohm with Dynaudios to drive them best with right tonality. This is due to variations in impedance load at various frequencies. That is par for the course with many modern home audiospeakers these days. I use Bel Canto ref 1000m amps and Audio Research sp16 tube pre-amp. This sounds great. Getting the right amp to run Dynaudio is the best first step then fine tune from there if needed.


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