Differences between Ref 250 and Ref 250SE

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Whilst I traversed a somewhat different path Scott, in moving to 250SE's from my previous non SE'd 150, I was suprised and delighted by how well the 250's sounded squeaky brand new right out of the box.

Curious as to why ARC retained your Rev2 Gold 2uF coupling caps Scott? as I was informed the new white capacitors were an integral componant in the new SE build or upgrade. Either way It is nice to hear that you are delighted with your new amps

I have no idea what they changed, other than the tubes, obviously. Can't remember what colored caps I had before. I'm sure it meets the REF250SE specs!! Sounding pretty damn good with 50 hours on them.

[kngale1]

Originally Posted by rscotth

I have no idea what they changed, other than the tubes, obviously. Can't remember what colored caps I had before. I'm sure it meets the REF250SE specs!! Sounding pretty damn good with 50 hours on them.

Put the KT120s back in so you can evaluate just the SE changes.

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by rscotth

I have no idea what they changed, other than the tubes, obviously. Can't remember what colored caps I had before. I'm sure it meets the REF250SE specs!! Sounding pretty damn good with 50 hours on them.

Merely supposition on my part Scott, it may well be the case that had your non SE 250's sported the Gen1 large white Teflons then ARC would have replaced them with their current stock of the latest white hybrid 2.0uF's, however as your units were already sporting the Gen2 Golds then they considered no substitution was required as they are already up to current SE spec

Happy Days

[gardener]

Just received my upgraded 250's back
After really enjoying a Ref75se
Don't know if it is the tubes or other works but the purity depth and scale is on a different level to the original

Really recommend as one who was really not sure about paying out more

3 albums in

[triode12]

Originally Posted by rscotth

The midrange and top end has better micro detail. The bottom end was a bit on the thin side until I hit 10 hours. Now the bass has much better control than the non SE. I'm sure it'll get much better with more time. Only 25 hours, so I'm thinking 100-250 there will be greater improvement across the board. Runs much warmer with the KT150's. Sweet sound and I'm very pleased, overall, I made the SE upgrade.

Thanks for the mini-review.

[rscotth]

Well I've reached 100 hours on my upgraded 250se's. Bass foundation is superb. Separation and detail surpasses the ref250 by a size-able margin. At first I wasn't sure the upgrade to the SE version would be worth the investment. I can honestly say, for me, it has been well worth it. I'll be ordering the new ref6 preamp in a bit, to get all out of the 250se's!

[pete6737]

Originally Posted by rscotth

Well I've reached 100 hours on my upgraded 250se's. Bass foundation is superb. Separation and detail surpasses the ref250 by a size-able margin. At first I wasn't sure the upgrade to the SE version would be worth the investment. I can honestly say, for me, it has been well worth it. I'll be ordering the new ref6 preamp in a bit, to get all out of the 250se's!

Nice! I have a puny Ref75. I'd love a pair of Ref250se's. Time to sell a kidney or something

[rscotth]

I just put the new ref6 in my system and the synergy between the ref6 and SE amps is absolutely magic. Dynamics, breath, air is something I couldn't have imagined. I was using the ref5se with the SE amps and it was really good, but once the ref6 went into the chain, it has been a true game changer. I don't know how they did it, but this combo is beyond my expectations. I think the SE amps need the ref6 to get all out of them.

[pete6737]

Congrats! Good to know. I just got 550 hrs on my ref 5se. I might need to upgrade later this year!

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by rscotth

I just put the new ref6 in my system and the synergy between the ref6 and SE amps is absolutely magic. Dynamics, breath, air is something I couldn't have imagined. I was using the ref5se with the SE amps and it was really good, but once the ref6 went into the chain, it has been a true game changer. I don't know how they did it, but this combo is beyond my expectations. I think the SE amps need the ref6 to get all out of them.

Beautiful in black!
Nice setup. :-)