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Old 06-24-2016, 08:02 PM
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Default Audio Research REF6 vs. REF10 Preamp

I am in the market for a new preamp and I was wondering if anyone has done a direct comparison of the ARC REF6 and REF10? I'm interested in the differences both quantitatively and qualitatively. My current system is an Esoteric K-01X digital player, Vandersteen M7-HPA mono amps (on order) and Vandersteen 7 MKII speakers.

Thanks!
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:39 AM
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Bump.
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Old 06-29-2016, 11:45 AM
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Ken.......Interesting choice of power amplifier. The Vandersteen M7-HPA certainly is an unusual design. Makes me wonder why there isn't a Vandersteen preamplifier available. Another twist of fate, the Esoteric K-01x lost the direct connection ability to power amps that the K-01 provides. That would have negated the need for a preamplifier, at least in the beginning.

I have no experience with the Audio Research REF6 or REF10, so I can't help with your original question. I am curious, though. Why not use ARC amps and preamps with your Vandersteen 7 MKII speakers? What drew you to the Vandersteen M7-HPA amplifiers as your first choice?


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Last edited by jdandy; 06-29-2016 at 11:47 AM.
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Old 06-29-2016, 03:28 PM
cleeds cleeds is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan View Post
I am in the market for a new preamp and I was wondering if anyone has done a direct comparison of the ARC REF6 and REF10? I'm interested in the differences both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Your best approach is to schedule an appointment with an ARC dealer. This is exactly where a dealer can be of service to you.

Bring familiar recordings.
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Old 06-29-2016, 06:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
Ken.......Interesting choice of power amplifier. The Vandersteen M7-HPA certainly is an unusual design. Makes me wonder why there isn't a Vandersteen preamplifier available. Another twist of fate, the Esoteric K-01x lost the direct connection ability to power amps that the K-01 provides. That would have negated the need for a preamplifier, at least in the beginning.

I have no experience with the Audio Research REF6 or REF10, so I can't help with your original question. I am curious, though. Why not use ARC amps and preamps with your Vandersteen 7 MKII speakers? What drew you to the Vandersteen M7-HPA amplifiers as your first choice?


Hi Dan,

The reason I went for the Vandersteen M7-HPA monoblocks are 1) They sounded best with the Vandersteen 7 MkII speakers; 2) They are custom designed to work with the Vandersteen 7 speakers; 3) Their tube/solid state hybrid design provides terrific weight and dynamics and wonderful midrange bloom; and 4) I've never been a big fan of all tube amplifiers (ARC or any other).

The ARC REF 250SE monoblocks sound best of all the ARC amps with the Vandersteen 7 MkII speakers but still don't have the weight and drive of the Vandersteen monoblocks. They also produce significantly more heat than the Vandy monoblocks.

The Vandy monoblocks were designed to work with the ARC Reference preamps and they create wonderful synergy together. I just have to decide REF 6 or REF 10 and I'll be good.

Best,
Ken
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Old 06-29-2016, 06:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cleeds View Post
Your best approach is to schedule an appointment with an ARC dealer. This is exactly where a dealer can be of service to you.

Bring familiar recordings.
Excellent idea. I just need to find an ARC dealer that carries both.

Thanks,
Ken
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Old 06-29-2016, 08:32 PM
fgchong fgchong is offline
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I owned a REF10 since it's first launch, the longest pre-amp I have owned and have to no intention to replace till I find a better match for my Goldmund's T1000+. Recently my friend bought a REF6 and asked me over to his home to listen to his newly acquired pre. With only less than 20 hours, I find REF6 (pair with T250+) has a similar sound signature with REF10 on a smaller and lesser scale; very detail micro-dynamics with a life size sound stage.

With the price of almost 1/2 of REF10 but achieve almost 90% performance, IMO REF6 is definitely a better buy.
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Old 06-29-2016, 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by fgchong View Post
I owned a REF10 since it's first launch, the longest pre-amp I have owned and have to no intention to replace till I find a better match for my Goldmund's T1000+. Recently my friend bought a REF6 and asked me over to his home to listen to his newly acquired pre. With only less than 20 hours, I find REF6 (pair with T250+) has a similar sound signature with REF10 on a smaller and lesser scale; very detail micro-dynamics with a life size sound stage.

With the price of almost 1/2 of REF10 but achieve almost 90% performance, IMO REF6 is definitely a better buy.
Excellent information on the two preamps. Thanks for your feedback!

Ken
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