Ref 6SE

[Sandor]

Dear friends,

I remember having compared the ARC REF5 against the venerable EAR 912 and I founded the EAR better (say more refined and engaging). I wonder what you think about this and if someone has tried the game with the very last ARC preamps.

Thanks.

[cleeds]

Comparing the two preamps is really an apple/oranges comparison, because the EAR is an integrated preamp with a phono section and tape loop, unlike the line stage only ARC. I think they are each intended for a different type of user.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Sandor

Dear friends,

I remember having compared the ARC REF5 against the venerable EAR 912 and I founded the EAR better (say more refined and engaging). I wonder what you think about this and if someone has tried the game with the very last ARC preamps.

Thanks.

If you found the 912 more refined and engaging to your ears, why ask opinions of others who may agree or say something to the contrary? It is you that has to purchase and enjoy it. Never understood the need for confirmation bias. Trust your ears and enjoy the music.

Having said that, I really loved the Lamm LL2.1 Deluxe and would roll with that instead. It's all personal preference and yes, I have heard all of them but not a direct A>B>C comparison.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by PHC1

If you found the 912 more refined and engaging to your ears, why ask opinions of others who may agree or say something to the contrary? ...

I think part of the value of AA is sharing experiences with others. Perhaps the results of someone else's evaluation of the 912 was with different equipment and could yield a different result. It is possible to learn from others.

Originally Posted by PHC1

Never understood the need for confirmation bias.

He asked a question.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by cleeds

I think part of the value of AA is sharing experiences with others. Perhaps the results of someone else's evaluation of the 912 was with different equipment and could yield a different result. It is possible to learn from others.


He asked a question.

I totally understand asking questions about stuff you have not experienced yet but if A and B are experienced and compared and A is the winner to the ears, what will asking about B and getting opinions on it introduce other than further confusion?

Do you need my opinion to purchase the audio component you auditioned and liked? If so, I’ll be sure to provide, just ask...

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by PHC1

... I totally understand asking questions about stuff you have not experienced yet but if A and B are experienced and compared and A is the winner to the ears, what will asking about B and getting opinions on it introduce other than further confusion?

It's possible to learn things by asking questions and I do not think AA users should be discouraged or chided for asking them. That you think a question has no merit doesn't mean others might not learn something.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by cleeds

It's possible to learn things by asking questions and I do not think AA users should be discouraged or chided for asking them. That you think a question has no merit doesn't mean others might not learn something.

My post was of the opposite intent. Support for that, which the OP liked, the 912 which is indeed a great preamp. To trust his ears and that which he heard and liked.

The only “chiding’ being done here is yours on my posts but that has been your goal lately?

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by PHC1

My post was of the opposite intent ...

That's good to know. My point was only that users here should be free to ask questions without being accused of confirmation bias or challenged with "why ask opinions of others."

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by cleeds

That's good to know. My point was only that users here should be free to ask questions without being accused of confirmation bias or challenged with "why ask opinions of others."

[Sandor]

I didn't want to trigger any controversy . Notice that I like and respect ARC ! I have owned several of their amps (and even one CDP). It's just that, for preamps, I do prefer the EAR 912 (I have not heard the ARC REF6 and REF6SE) and I was wondering if you had another experience. Best.