2. analog
  3. 1315084444

Tubed Linestage

I may be upgrading from a ARC PH-3SE to an ARC PH-7. My sound has a bit of an edge to it, which the upgrade may fix. I was wondering about going to a tubed linstage and bypassing my current linestage solid state preamp. I currently have the ARC 3 going into a Theta CB3, then into 2 Krell KMA-160's with a couple of MAXX II's at the end. I read where it was suggested that ARC equipment doesn't mate well with Krell. Any comments or suggestions? I'm looking for a warm, yet clear sound. Oh-I'm using a Clearadio Emotion with a Maestro cart on the front.
handymann

Showing 1 response by br3098

br3098
1,000 posts
 
Handymann,

>>I read where it was suggested that ARC equipment doesn't mate well with Krell...

I have never heard that before. I ran an ARC PH-3SE and LS-16 into a Krell KAV-250 powering my Apogee hybrid ribbons for years, and I thought that it sounded great. Although I ultimately replaced the Krell amp with a refurbished McCormack unit, I can't say that there was a mismatch between the ARC gear and the Krell amp. If you like the Krell sound it will be fine. If you don't, it won't.
More to discover