Is it possible to get the SF speakers and the ARC 80S to your own room for a demo for a few days? This way you can be sure. Most dealers will work with you like this. I have a great dealer and I can bring items home to try anytime I like. I have ARC LS27, ARC Ref 3 Phono, ARC 150SE with Sonus Faber Olympica II all put together with Transparent cables. It is a true match made in heaven!
ARC amp differences.
Heya,
I got a chance to listen to some Adonis Faber Serifinos the other day and absolutely loved them. They were detailed, but also musical. It was paired with a ARC VT-80.
I was actually thinking that maybe I go up a notch and look at the ARC reference 80s but it was not available for demo. They did have the ARC 160s.
would it be to assume ithat if I like the 160s with the Serifinos then I would also like the 80s? If I like the 160s jugs that kind of power just overkill. My listening space is 20x14 and I will rarely try and super loud.
if anyone has other tube amp recommendations pls feel free. I am looking for that slightly warm of neutral sound that holds the detail.
thanks
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- 26 posts total
ARC service is great don’t be afraid of that. Besides they are very reliable, if you can even with a small room try to get the 160s you can always run them in triode mode, more power not necessary means you will listen louder but you will have more control of your speakers and sound will be sweater. |
Let me re-emphasize that the slam against ARC service is way off the mark. I have an older ARC amp and preamp. The service is so responsive and reasonably priced that I don't re-tube and re-bias the amp myself. I just have them do it. They are great. I sent my pre-amp for service (noisy volume control), and after it came back I decided to be clever and do some soldering. I damaged it. I sent it back. I told them it was my fault plus it was obvious. They repaired my flub under warranty. This is a 30-year old preamp. The great service is a reason to consider ARC if you are looking at tubes, not a reason to avoid them. |
I also have the 160s and am using it with Joseph Audio Perspectives. My space is similar in size and am completely happy with this combination. I considered the JA Pearls, but with my room size (and a downstairs neighbor) they were too much speaker for the room. @ghdprentice has done a lot of research and testing and has been more than generous in sharing it with those using ARC gear. As an alternative option, I just tested a Furtech Project V1 with my 160s and was impressed within the first 2 minutes at the increased sound stage and detail. I already have one V1 for my Furtech Pure Power 6 distributor, but am going to order a second as it made such a material difference. Finally, don't think that the stock cords are substandard in any way. I lived with mine for over a year while I focused on other changes and thankfully these are upgrades you can do step by step. |
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- 26 posts total