Reference 6 break-in

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Dsholl1

Had McIntosh preamps in the past. ARC is a different league.

There's a lot of love for McIntosh here, so I try not to be so blunt, but having owned both, I do agree with this statement.

[Dsholl1]

Absolutely not slighting MAC. It’s great stuff and I enjoyed it immensely, but the Ref6 is just incredible!

[jpgr4blu]

Hi Timobi:
I was a dyed in the wool McIntosh fan with a c1000 and Mc2102 amp which I enjoyed for 4 to 5 years until I heard my first all ARC system at a dealer who carried both brands. In fact, I had gone there to hear and, in my mind, purchase the Mac 2301 monos I was shocked when I brought familiar music that I played on both systems--at the dealer's insistence- a mid-level ARC system in one room, and the Mac C1000 and 2301 in the other. I loved the ARC system as it did literally everything better than the Mac system--especially transparency, for less than half the price. I purchased the then top of the line Ref 5 ARC preamp which caused me to immediately sell my C1000 (fortunately Macs have great resale value). The Ref 5 was in a different league. Soon thereafter, I purchased a Ref 40 and, of course, an ARC amp (then Ref110) replaced my Mc2102.
I was originally attracted to Mac tubes because they reminded me of my parents old Fisher console from 1954--beautiful, rich and burnished with a nice bottom end--until I heard the ARC system. I did not realize until then that I was actually hearing a slight scrim effect on the music from MAC. ARC gear caused me to learn that transparency is not the enemy of musicality if done right--and ARC IMHO, does it right. If you test listen to ARC gear, your wallet will probably be damaged shortly thereafter. Proceed with caution.

[Dsholl1]

☝️[emoji106]

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

Hi Timobi:
I was a dyed in the wool McIntosh fan with a c1000 and Mc2102 amp which I enjoyed for 4 to 5 years until I heard my first all ARC system at a dealer who carried both brands. In fact, I had gone there to hear and, in my mind, purchase the Mac 2301 monos I was shocked when I brought familiar music that I played on both systems--at the dealer's insistence- a mid-level ARC system in one room, and the Mac C1000 and 2301 in the other. I loved the ARC system as it did literally everything better than the Mac system--especially transparency, for less than half the price. I purchased the then top of the line Ref 5 ARC preamp which caused me to immediately sell my C1000 (fortunately Macs have great resale value). The Ref 5 was in a different league. Soon thereafter, I purchased a Ref 40 and, of course, an ARC amp (then Ref110) replaced my Mc2102.
I was originally attracted to Mac tubes because they reminded me of my parents old Fisher console from 1954--beautiful, rich and burnished with a nice bottom end--until I heard the ARC system. I did not realize until then that I was actually hearing a slight scrim effect on the music from MAC. ARC gear caused me to learn that transparency is not the enemy of musicality if done right--and ARC IMHO, does it right. If you test listen to ARC gear, your wallet will probably be damaged shortly thereafter. Proceed with caution.

Great post!

[Dsholl1]

Well 220 hours in and I’m starting to have a few WTF moments! Just an amazing component!

[SL1800]

Originally Posted by Dsholl1

Well 220 hours in and I’m starting to have a few WTF moments! Just an amazing component!

It only get better!!

[Charles]

The AR forum is the most dedicated convincing group of audiophiles I know of.

[Timobi]

Holy Shit guys. Talk about making a guy re-consider IT ALL

I know Steve has been impressed with his Ref 6 BUT I also kind of figured it was due to just having an older Mac 2300 and older MC275 tube amps. It appears that some of you also have compared vs the legendary MC2301's.

I told Steve the other day that I probably should find a way to demo some ARC gear but would want to do so with my own setup.

At this juncture its really not the cost per se. We have ALL overspent I just want the best I can get AND for it to look as good as it sounds.

Mac gear so far at least at the level of the C1100 has been pretty amazing.

I may have to plan a trip up to Steve's soon and take my C1100 with me. I am familiar with the Logan 13's having owned them before the CLX.

[SCAudiophile]

That's what I love about AA, no peer pressure hede whatsoever......ROTFLMAO!!!