Ref5se versus Mac2500 with vinyl
 

Any opinions on how these would sound with Vandersteen 5a and ayre mxr amps. Want to go more tube sounding. Relaxed but not tube slow sound.

Trying to decide where money better spent

C2500 with classic 3 and $1500-2000 cart

Vs

Vs ref5se classic 1 and $1000 cart.

Like NON-fatiguing sound. Voices and bass. Don't care as much about highs or detailed sound. Sound-staging not critical. Just want to feel like singer in the room. Ray Charles, Nora jones, beetles, Dire straights, pink floyd, Mr Cash, and a bit of classical.

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

Interesting post uwbadger. I have a 5Se and like it very much. Am planning to sell in order to get a 2500 (I want to be all mc). I can't say the 5se sounds tubey but it does have a fast, rich sound and the sound stage is exact enough to place instruments and hear minute details which, to me, provides a really lifelike experience. Comparing it to the 2300/2500 is tough in my opinion. The 5se is fully balanced and is a bit quieter in my opinion. I've also heard that the 5se has a bit more bass but could not confirm this. Functionally, the 2300/2500 is superior with 2phono stages, digital inputs (2500), bass/treble controls etc. Both are great sounding preamps. If you want to go really tubey check out the 2200 which I found to have the warmest sound but also seemed to sound a little slower.

What amps are you running?

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

I swapped out a 2300 for a ref5se a while ago and am pleased with the result so far. I also have a classic 1. IMO the ref5se is the better choice. Many people have also paired their classic 1 with the soundsmith zephyr with good results. I believe that cart is in your price range. Although the ayre is not overly ss sounding neither combination will get you a tube sound. From your description it sounds like you need a tube amp as well.

Thx!
Agree
That's why I am looking longer term which may end up

Ref5se/ref150

Vs

C2500 and 2 mono 275's or even 2301's

???

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

I have tried a few ss amps in my system lately [krell,bryston, mc601]. I liked the additional power with my speakers but was not as happy with the overall sound. Of the ss I tried I did like the 601's the best. I have also tried the ARC 250 mono's. I liked these very much and am considering them. I would like to try the 2301's but have not found a shop with demo's for me to bring home yet. Good luck in your search.

You have 275's with ref5se - why the need to change amps?

How did ref250 compare to your 275's???

I also plan on a vpi classic TT

Thx

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

I am running them through 2301s. The sound with the 5SE is excellent. I just want to be all mc.

With vandy 5a's?

Why not a set of AR ref250's vs 2301's?

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig

I am trying to decide 2301/2500 vs ref5se/250's

ayre dx-5, kxr, mxr, Vandersteen 5A, marantz 8801, Vandersteen vcc-5, Vandersteen vsm sig