Need some amplifier advice

[djcxxx]

Haven't posted in some time but contemplating some changes and wanted to seek some advice. My current set up: ARC Ref 5SE, Phono 2SE, CD8; Clearaudio Avantgarde magnum/TTS3/DaVinci V2; McIntosh 601; SF Amati Homage (vintage 2005). Recently had to service one of the 601s and it was a difficult experience. Got me to thinking that maybe I could drive the SFs (92dB sensitivity) w/ one amp w/ a lot less wattage. I have always had ARC and the 601s have been my first non-ARC amplification. Not dissatisfied with the 601s until the service issue. Specifically had my eye on the ARC Ref 75SE. I realize the 150SE might be a better pairing, but if the 75SE would drive the SFs adequately I prefer the ease of front panel bias adjustment and fewer tube count. The GS150 is not an option both aesthetically and economically. At that price I would go for the 250SE but again back to 2 amps. As far as the listening area, the speakers are 8ft apart and I listen 12ft from the speakers so fairly small listening area. Thanks for any thoughts.

[2fastdriving]

At 92db efficiency, the Ref75SE will work beautifully unless you need to listen at very high volumes. And you will be very impressed at what the Ref75 can do when paired with the Ref5SE. I've had much better luck with ARC/ARC than ARC/MC pairings.

[The Lost Bears]

I would opt for the ARC Ref 150se. It is better to have a bit of headroom. I have a similar setup, my Elipsa SE's are around 92db. My Ref 110 (with KT120s) is pretty much a perfect match. I don't think I would be happy with a Ref 75se. Already there are times I get up to 80 on my Ref 5se.

There is a synergy with an all ARC system.

[bigblue]

Would you be open to integrated options?
If so I would suggest the Diablo 300 from Gryphon or the Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 that I use to drive my Sonus Faber Amati Futura.

[djcxxx]

Very much appreciate the input. I am inclined to begin with the 75SE and trade to the 150SE if it proves inadequate. I can arrange this with my dealer w/o too much effort.

[djcxxx]

The Ref75SE is now in my system and the results have been very positive thus far. The 601s were fine amplifiers, but perhaps due to proper impedance matching between the ARC gear the Ref 5SE/75SE combination is more detailed w/ greater instrument dimensionality than the 5SE/601 pairing. The 75SE is more than adequate power for the Amati Homage in my listening environment.



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[jdandy]

Dave.......You have a vary attractive system.

I agree with you that the synergy between ARC components should offer you the best performance. Happy listening.

[2fastdriving]

Great! I'm glad my advice was accurate

[RLF]

Sorry I'm a little late to this thread, but I absolutely agree with Marc's advice. I have the Amanti Futura and find that the Ref 75SE drives them superbly in my system. My listening position is a little over 9.5 feet from my speakers.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by RLF

Sorry I'm a little late to this thread, but I absolutely agree with Marc's advice. I have the Amanti Futura and find that the Ref 75SE drives them superbly in my system. My listening position is a little over 9.5 feet from my speakers.

You just can't go wrong with arc/arc pairings, and even most arc pre/other power pairings. But for whatever reason, arc and mcintosh just don't mate well. I don't know why, but I heard it in my system and most people tend to back up that observation.