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  #41  
Old 05-23-2018, 05:21 AM
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The Ultra Linear Mode is suppose to sound like a SET Amp...compared to a 300B. The normal mode is like the 250SE so its like getting 2 different sounding amps for the price of one...and its cheaper than the 250SE. Its a no brainer if someone is looking at getting one or the other.
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  #42  
Old 05-23-2018, 06:01 AM
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  #43  
Old 05-30-2018, 02:40 PM
TommyTunes TommyTunes is offline
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I can’t help but think it more a bridged mono VT80SE with a fancy meter than a Ref level piece of gear. The quality of the GS150 metalwork seems to be missing. I’m using a GS150 with Alexia 2’s but feel like they can use a bit more power. This time I think I may be going the SS route.
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  #44  
Old 05-31-2018, 04:19 AM
ariess ariess is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TommyTunes View Post
I can’t help but think it more a bridged mono VT80SE with a fancy meter than a Ref level piece of gear. The quality of the GS150 metalwork seems to be missing. I’m using a GS150 with Alexia 2’s but feel like they can use a bit more power. This time I think I may be going the SS route.


Just switched from GS150 to two Ref160’s. It was a nice upgrade on power and density of tones and timing. The casework is just as good as the GS150. You should try and see them in person.
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  #45  
Old 06-07-2018, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by ariess View Post
Just switched from GS150 to two Ref160’s. It was a nice upgrade on power and density of tones and timing. The casework is just as good as the GS150. You should try and see them in person.
I had read a review of the REF75SE comparing it a little to the GS150. The reviewer suggested the REF75SE had 2 cups of modern ARC sound and 1 cup of vintage—compared to GS150 maybe the other-way round... 2 cups vintage with one cup of modern. He was speaking in some regard to tonal density and now I read your comments the 160M is tonally richer than GS150. My little REF75 (not SE, but with KT150s) sounds terrific in my room with Alexia v1, and REF10 pre.

So, my question... with new 160M, is there any sense perhaps the tonal density is too much? I'd have to think no, and of course it is all a matter of degree, not to mention acoustic environment.

I'm jones-ing for the 160M's, but at this price the D'agostino stereo amp is also on my radar.

Please continue to share your impressions of the new ARC.
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  #46  
Old 06-07-2018, 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
I had read a review of the REF75SE comparing it a little to the GS150. The reviewer suggested the REF75SE had 2 cups of modern ARC sound and 1 cup of vintage—compared to GS150 maybe the other-way round... 2 cups vintage with one cup of modern. He was speaking in some regard to tonal density and now I read your comments the 160M is tonally richer than GS150. My little REF75 (not SE, but with KT150s) sounds terrific in my room with Alexia v1, and REF10 pre.

So, my question... with new 160M, is there any sense perhaps the tonal density is too much? I'd have to think no, and of course it is all a matter of degree, not to mention acoustic environment.

I'm jones-ing for the 160M's, but at this price the D'agostino stereo amp is also on my radar.

Please continue to share your impressions of the new ARC.
Bob, also consider the Ref150SE. I am borrowing one now from my dealer and it's FANTASTIC. I loved my Ref75 (same as you...non SE but with KT-150's) and the Ref150 takes that and puts some real meat on the bone. DEFINITELY tonally rich and powerful but not "too much"...gobs of detail

I'm going to buy this soon.
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  #47  
Old 06-08-2018, 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted by 2fastdriving View Post
Bob, also consider the Ref150SE. I am borrowing one now from my dealer and it's FANTASTIC. I loved my Ref75 (same as you...non SE but with KT-150's) and the Ref150 takes that and puts some real meat on the bone. DEFINITELY tonally rich and powerful but not "too much"...gobs of detail

I'm going to buy this soon.

Just might want to listen to the REF160M before you pull the trigger on the REF150SE Marc.
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  #48  
Old 06-08-2018, 12:22 AM
2fastdriving 2fastdriving is offline
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Just might want to listen to the REF160M before you pull the trigger on the REF150SE Marc.
I'm sure they are fantastic, no doubt. Totally out of my price range for now. The 150 is a demo unit that I can score for a deep discount.

Maybe in the future!
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  #49  
Old 06-08-2018, 01:00 AM
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I'm sure they are fantastic, no doubt. Totally out of my price range for now. The 150 is a demo unit that I can score for a deep discount.

Maybe in the future!
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  #50  
Old 06-10-2018, 01:32 PM
Bobvin Bobvin is offline
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Well, I've sold off most everything I can that isn’t bolted down, and may be pulling the trigger very shortly. I remember speaking with Dave G. of ARC at a Music Matters event up in Seattle early this year. I was hoping they’d be showing the 160M’s but Dave said not quite ready for prime time, but that they really were a stunning improvement vs GS150. Add to this my longtime desire for a pair of ARC mono-blocks—there may be no turning back.

Now the question... in silver or black? Both would go well I think in my room? My REF10 is silver, my Rossini and Shunyata Triton are black. Maybe stick with ARC "natural" silver.


Last edited by Bobvin; 06-10-2018 at 05:43 PM.
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