#31
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FWIW the 160S and 5SE did not deliver the impressive results I heard in the local salon, so I pulled the trigger (again) on a 6SE and the result has been far beyond my expectations. Utterly different soundstage depth, resolution, presence. There is clearly a synergy between the 160S and 6SE. One can only derive so much from passive research in this hobby, and there is no substitute for listening to prospective components in your own system.
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Wilson Alexia V; ARC Ref 6SE; ARC Ref Phono 3SE; Boulder 1160; Esoteric K1X; Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement; Ikeda 407; Koetsu Leopard, Coralstone; Shunyata Denali 6000T; Shunyata AC cables; Siltech Prince speaker cables; Siltech Princess interconnects, Avondale II phono. |
#32
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#33
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Quote:
Different speakers, different associated equipment. Anecdotal at best. Misleading at worst. Actually even with the best of intentions all he is doing is speculating. What is heard is not relevant when the test is not just flawed but a complete cluster. Does one really think that the load that the ML Neolith provides to an amplifier is remotely similar to the load of an Alexia? Multiple ARC dealers? Really? I doubt it perhaps because I talk with many of them on a regular basis. This is the most important part of the post "..but that's all hearsay obviously" Obviously indeed. Last edited by metaphacts; 03-25-2020 at 10:54 AM. |
#34
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Dave Gordon has been a competitor, a colleague, an industry voice for four decades. You do not have to agree with him but his integrity is unassailable. Always the diplomat, he will never disparage, always offering the most positive outlook of his and his competitors' products. If Dave says the REF160M is better than the REF160S, it is because he believes that, not because he works for ARC That one would trust a reviewer more than Dave Gordon says far more about that person and the depth of their experience than it does Dave. ymmv Last edited by metaphacts; 03-25-2020 at 01:47 PM. |
#35
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#36
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Dave has provided me with very reliable and accurate information about differences between ARC products on more than one occasion. When Dave says it--book it.
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#37
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Curious which setting owners are generally using with the 160s? Triode or ultra linear?
I realize it may be a bit speaker dependent but I find even with Cornwall IV’s I prefer the ultralinear setting. The triode is a bit more saturated, the ultralinear a bit more precise. Both sound great. Like having 2 excellent amps! |
#38
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#39
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I have the Ref160s and always run in triode mode. I was shocked first at how little difference there is between the two… but the difference there is, I like the very slightly greater musicality.
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George Main: Aurender W20SE music streamer, ARC REF 9SE DAC / CD, Linn LP 12, Koetsu Rosewood SignCartrige, ARC REF 3 Phono Stage, ARC REF 6SE Preamp, ARC 160s amp, Sonus Faber Amati Traditional Speakers,Transparent Ultra IC & SC Library:Aurender N100, Ayre QB9 2020 DAC, Woo WA5-LE amp upgraded tubes, Focal Utopia HP, Sennheiser 800s HP, LCD HP. |
#40
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Agree, you summed up my experience as well.
__________________
Wilson Alexia V; ARC Ref 6SE; ARC Ref Phono 3SE; Boulder 1160; Esoteric K1X; Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement; Ikeda 407; Koetsu Leopard, Coralstone; Shunyata Denali 6000T; Shunyata AC cables; Siltech Prince speaker cables; Siltech Princess interconnects, Avondale II phono. |
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