Question for the current (and former) Ref 6 owners
 

I'm seriously considering adding a ref6 to my system but I would be breaking my number 1 rule when buying new gear, I really like to listen to any piece first in my system before buying. I don't have good access to an in home demo for higher end ARC gear.

My question, how do you describe the sonic signature of the ref 6 compared to say a higher end Pass, VAC, or the newer McIntosh preamps?

Thanks in advance,
Rob

What is the rest of your system like?

Good question, I just updated my signature below.

Unless you want to trigger an amp upgrade I would not introduce the ARC Ref 6 into the equation. In one short answer, the MC152 and Ref 6 are not equal partners in this ballroom dance. :no:

Good advise --:thumbsup:

Unless you can get a Ref 6 in YOUR house & audition, let it go.

Best Sirs,

Bob

The C47 and MC152 is a good pairing. They compliment each other without tipping the scales way to one side. Keep them together and enjoy your system. :music:

I agree with the advice above. From experience with arc and Mc.

If you are itching for an upgrade, instead of the ARC Ref 6 which will be much happier with an equal partner such as an ARC amp and synergize better, look for another autoformer McIntosh such as MC402 or 501 monoblocks. Your C47 will be very happy as well. They were designed together, will sound great and will be a good upgrade for not too much $$$ The B&W’s typically open up with more power in reserve.

It's not just the food chain disparity, but also my opinion (and others) that arc and Mc aren't great pairings. I tried a ref5se with my mc452 back in the day and ended up selling the 452 and getting a ref75. The 452 probably sounded better with the C2300 I had.

From what I've seen, arc tends to mix and match with other brands better than Mc (currently use ref6 with esoteric a-02 with great results) , but both are very good within their own brand pairing.

:yes: