ARC Ref 5 SE and Ref Phono 2 SE Combination

[analog brother]

awesome toga!
glad you are liking it. yes, there is too much disparity between low and high gain.
does it have adequate bottom-end weight?
the lp2.1 is one i've thought about as well.

[TOGA]

Lamm is not flexible at all regarding setting.
And no XLR output,I worried about gain lost a bit.

I think 2SE is the one. But it is very costly.
Oh yes it has enough bottom end weight. Just right.

Toga

[SOA]

Originally Posted by TOGA

Lamm is not flexible at all regarding setting.
And no XLR output,I worried about gain lost a bit.

I think 2SE is the one. But it is very costly.
Oh yes it has enough bottom end weight. Just right.

Toga

Good choise The Ref 2SE is a superb phono pre and a very good match with your Ref 40 I should think.

Sven

[jpgr4blu]

yes it is.

[TOGA]

Is there any real sonic different between 2 and 2SE ?
There are some used Ref2 Phono. But cosmetically 2SE is more a perfect matched to Ref40.

Toga

[gardener]

Originally Posted by TOGA

Is there any real sonic different between 2 and 2SE ?
There are some used Ref2 Phono. But cosmetically 2SE is more a perfect matched to Ref40.

Toga

I had ref2 now se version.Big difference
Also have the Ref40 Anniversary going into Magico S5 speakers

Wonderful set up
With analogue the cartridge and speakers are the most important parts of the chain in my opinion
I used to listen to cd radio everything
Now just vinyl
Toga with your set up all will sound great

[jpgr4blu]

2SE is noticeably better in every way than standard 2. I would guess 15 to 20%. Worth the extra cost.

[TOGA]

Ok ok.... But the cost difference is between used Ref2 and new 2SE, so the difference is huge. Today will have Aesthetix Rhea Sig in to compare with 2SE. Let s see.

[sanji]

Originally Posted by TOGA

Ok ok.... Bit the cost difference is between used Ref2 and new 2SE, so the difference is huge. Today will have Aesthetix Rhea Sig in to compare with 2SE. Let s see.

The REF2 SE beats the Aesthetix Rhea in every way. Better dynamics, better extension, soundstage and more natural. The Rhea is very good, the AR is one of the best that is currently available, which is why I got one.

[TOGA]

Rhea has much more flexible gain options.
My problem with 2SE is that high gain is too loud. Low gain is too soft.
Listening to Rhea now, I think very punchy and overall good sounding. BUT..
Lots of hiss , loud hiss. I think cannot listening to solo piano as I will hear this hiss from listening seat.

Toga