Amps used with Ref 5 SE

[audiohippo]

From what I have read the Pass XA.8 Series are a great match with the ARC REF preamps, haven't had the opportunity to hear it myself though.

[tdh888]

Originally Posted by dminches

I am really enjoying my Ref 5 SE and have been thinking about whether my current amps (pair of Cary SA 500.1 mono blocks) are the best match. I have a pair of Vandersteen 5As which require a pretty good amount of power.

I am curious what amps others are using with the 5 SE. The ARC DS450Ms have been recommended to me. I have never heard them.

I am currently using a REF 610T monoblocks.


Tdh888

[CookieMan]

Originally Posted by gapple88

Hi there. Anyone tried pairing the ref 5se with ayre MXR 20 blocks. Been itching to try some good quality SS mono blocks.

Using a ref75se now...

Close, but not quite. I'm running my Ref 5SE into an Ayre VX-R and I love it so far - I recently upgraded from an LS-27 to the Ref 5SE and wow, what a difference! Several months ago I bought a Ref Phono 2SE and I knew the LS-27 had become the "weakest link".

[RLF]

Originally Posted by gapple88

Hi there. Anyone tried pairing the ref 5se with ayre MXR 20 blocks. Been itching to try some good quality SS mono blocks.

Using a ref75se now...

I still pair my Ref 5SE with an Ayre VX-5 Twenty and alternate it with a Ref 75SE. Although my Ayre is not the top-of-the-line "R", I find it to be a great match for my Ref 5SE. However, my Ref 75SE yields a magical and seductive midrange in my system that the Ayre can't quite match. Just my 2 cents

[Tomictime]

VX-R Twenty with Ref 5 SE is magic. Vandersteen 7 mk 2, ref 75 SE might have the slightest, slightest edge in midrange but nowhere else IMO.

Happy to listen for hours....

[BillK]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

From what I have read the Pass XA.8 Series are a great match with the ARC REF preamps, haven't had the opportunity to hear it myself though.

It would be a battle to see which drew more power.

[limniscate]

I just got an Ref5SE and will be pairing it with a Sanders Magtech.

[LovingMusic]

I have had a Ref 5SE on loan for the last few days. Have it paired with Mac 601's. Maybe not the ideal match, but boy does it sound awesome through my Magico V2's! Replacing Parasound JC2 which is good but not even close to this. Tried some Mac pre's but nothing close to this ARC. Must keep from wanting the Ref 6...

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by LovingMusic

I have had a Ref 5SE on loan for the last few days. Have it paired with Mac 601's. Maybe not the ideal match, but boy does it sound awesome through my Magico V2's! Replacing Parasound JC2 which is good but not even close to this. Tried some Mac pre's but nothing close to this ARC. Must keep from wanting the Ref 6...

Then don't listen to it. [emoji48]

[LovingMusic]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Then don't listen to it. [emoji48]

Too late...