Ref 110

[kfr01]

Spinning through some other music this morning.

Wow. Chopin Piano Concerto #2 with tubes: magical!

... oh man, I feel a case of the Lu Flu coming on; my browser history this morning would reveal ARC Ref. preamp browsing...

[mg87]

I, like you, entered the tube world via the REF 110, 6550 tubes. It set the hook very deep for me. I loved it. It was traded for a REF 75 which is also quite amazing. The bias testing is important and is much easier than it may seem (having never done it before the REF 110). I found that running the Arye "Irrational but Efficacious" cd glide tone once a week or so, seems to get the best from the tubes. It must relieve tube stress as I noticed that it will bring bias in tune if there is a variance. A benefit to me as preferred to keep the top on. Enjoy!

[cmalak]

Karl...sorry for the late response. I am glad you are liking what you are hearing from the Ref 110. I tried the Nimbus couplers and spacers under my amp and preamp and heard a very slight difference. Under my yCD player it made a more noticeable difference tightening up bass some and improving see through resolution. Having said that, none of it was a night and day difference. Much more subtle.

By the way in comparison to your Levinson, it's interesting that you find the ARC romantic because in the tube world, ARC is some of the most neutral tube gear there is. Lush and romantic in the tube world would be names like Manley, older VTL and ARC gear, and McIntosh. ARC's modern line up since switching to the 6H30 tubes in their preamps is quite neutral.

[Ritmo]

Congrats Karl!

[guitardave]

Originally Posted by kfr01

Spinning through some other music this morning.

Wow. Chopin Piano Concerto #2 with tubes: magical!

... oh man, I feel a case of the Lu Flu coming on; my browser history this morning would reveal ARC Ref. preamp browsing...

I see a fair number of Ref3's available... It is a great pairing.

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Karl...sorry for the late response. I am glad you are liking what you are hearing from the Ref 110. I tried the Nimbus couplers and spacers under my amp and preamp and heard a very slight difference. Under my yCD player it made a more noticeable difference tightening up bass some and improving see through resolution. Having said that, none of it was a night and day difference. Much more subtle.

By the way in comparison to your Levinson, it's interesting that you find the ARC romantic because in the tube world, ARC is some of the most neutral tube gear there is. Lush and romantic in the tube world would be names like Manley, older VTL and ARC gear, and McIntosh. ARC's modern line up since switching to the 6H30 tubes in their preamps is quite neutral.

I suspect it is all relative ~ The Levinson is so quick and the noise floor is so low that it provides a "studio monitor" or "front row" quality. Thus, relatively speaking, the ARC is romantic. I love the Levinson, and I suspect it is because the ARC is neutral for a tube amplifier that the ARC is in serious contention. Love the journey this hobby can provide!

[cmalak]

Karl...it absolutely is all relative. That was th epoint I was trying to make :-) I hope you continue to enjoy the Ref 110s

[junker]

AR with Vandersteen 5's... Sir, my hat is off to you! Richard ran the 7's with Ref 250's in Newport. Probably the best sound at the show. Totem's sounded great but maybe in a "shower not a grower" sense. Easy to live with the AR/5s I would think. Besides you have the built-in powered sub to handle the low end. Are you running the low pass filter from the AR??

[CJ Premier3]

Hi to All of You


I do have the oportunity to buy a second hand AR Ref110, from a dealer, it has only around 300hours on it, will it change a lot sonically ? Just have it at home for a soundcheck! Anyone experience with the amp joining a Maggie 3.7? ;-)

Thanks for answers!
Marc

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by CJ Premier3

Hi to All of You


I do have the oportunity to buy a second hand AR Ref110, from a dealer, it has only around 300hours on it, will it change a lot sonically ? Just have it at home for a soundcheck! Anyone experience with the amp joining a Maggie 3.7? ;-)

Thanks for answers!
Marc

Subtle changes if any after 300 hrs if I remember correctly when I got mine 6 years ago. Can't shed any light on the combo with Maggie 3.7s.