Had Audio Research Gear and Moved to Solid State

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by The Lost Bears

That might be the way to go. So what solid state amp are you using with your Audio Research preamp? Have you compared it to an ARC amp? I am looking for suggestions on amps that are good matches with ARC preamps to audition.

A few years ago I had a pair of Moon 400m Monoblocs in my system. I had to send my amp back to ARC. I thought they were very good at the time. I might give them another try.

That's one of the great things about ARC pre's, they work with just about anything. However, myself and many others on this site do not recommend using with McIntosh amps. For some reason the synergy is not great, in my opinion, of course. But others agree.

[JBT]

I have two tube audio research systems and they're fantastic.

In my bedroom VSi60

Audio Research Corporation VSi60 Integrated Amplifier | The Absolute Sound

And my home office

Audio Research VSi75 Integrated Amplifier | Ultra High-End Audio and Home Theater Review

ARC builds great amps and disc spinners.

[Alki]

IMO an ARC Pre plays real well with a Mark Levinson amp. Does not appear to be plenty of Mark Levinson on this site but I can vouch that it is a great match with my ARC Ref Pre. I have also heard them with Bryston and Ayre. But still preferred the Levinson.

I agree with 2fastdriving comment above that an ARC Pre is very versatile when it comes to matching it with a SS amp.

[Etunes]

Originally Posted by The Lost Bears

I am interested in people who had Audio Research gear, especially their Ref gear and moved to solid state. What did you move to and why? How does it compare?

I have been playing with the idea of moving to solid state gear for awhile. I have owned Audio Research gear off and on (mostly on) since the late 1980's. Whenever I made a change I ended up missing the Audio Research sound and going back. But times are changing and I am now retired. I spend a lot more time listening. The idea of solid state gear is getting a lot more enticing. Especially a solid state amp. I am curious what people who owned Audio Research have now and are you happy with the change.

I had ARC REF 5SE, REF2SE , REF 250's and REF 75.

I now have darTZeel Pre/Amp combo and I'm very happy with the change.

[Jeffy]

I have used tube amps my entire life of high end listening (about 30 years). When I received my Rockport Altair's three years ago, I was using the big Vac monoblocks. The sound was good but I was missing fullness in the upper mids. My friend measured the impedance and it turns out the speaker is mainly a 2 ohm load. This is not a tube friendly speaker. By chance I saw a Krell FPB 250m used for sale. I bought the amp and could not believe how good it was. My speakers now filled out in the lower mids and dynamics to die for. I was amazed how transparent, imaging, depth, were outstanding. I never knew solid state could do this. I then found another used pair of Krell FPB650m to replace the 250 and the improvements were once again noted. So yes I'm very happy with the change. I have no choice as no tube amp will like to drive my speaker loads. I am using an Absolare tube preamp and it is a perfect match. I tried solid state preamps, but like the tube preamp better. I also had an Audio Research tube preamp, but the Vac preamp was better, and the absolare was better yet.

[schneice]

Originally Posted by Etunes

I had ARC REF 5SE, REF2SE , REF 250's and REF 75.



I now have darTZeel Pre/Amp combo and I'm very happy with the change.

Currently an ARC guy, but really enjoyed the darTZeel I've heard. I think I get from where you're coming.

[wemfan]

Lostbears, I have read some of your posts and if I remember correctly you have a ARC REF5SE? I remember because I am interested in that pre or maybe the REF 6. Anyway, what I can share with you is I have a pair of Krell mono blocks FPB350mcx and a MAC mc275VI set up in the same room and really there is no comparison. The Krells by a mile. The Tube MAC sounds really good but as you would expect much less bass and since I have a limited audio vocabulary I will just say the ss Krells are much better. However, the Krells originally were about $12k and the MAC 4 or 5 I think? That may be the biggest difference. I was running them with a MAC c2300 but am looking into one of the ARCs to replace it.

[The Lost Bears]

Originally Posted by wemfan

Lostbears, I have read some of your posts and if I remember correctly you have a ARC REF5SE? I remember because I am interested in that pre or maybe the REF 6.

The Ref 5se is truly a great preamp. I have not listened to a Ref 6 because I don't want to be unhappy. I truly love my Ref 5se and don't want to upgrade anytime soon. The fact that you can find them used for around half the price of a Ref 6 really makes it hard to beat.