dif Phono Ref 2 vs Ref SE

[Fabiano]

Hi,

Looking inside, what exactly changes from Ref2 to Ref2 SE? Do they both use the same set of tubes? When one does the upgrade from Ref 2 to Ref 2 SE, does the tubes get changed as well?

tks

[Dafos]

Yes same set of tubes. Significant changes are new Teflon coupling capacitors (formerly gold colored caps are now white) and the addition of a horizontally mounted board containing additional power supply elecrtrolytic capacitors. How huge a sonic improvement these changes result to I cannot say since I've never had a chance to compare both units side by side.

[Fabiano]

Thanks a lot Dafos!!!

[sanji]

Haven't heard the REF 2, but I just purchased, the SE and it is one amazing phonostage. The imaging, speed, low level detail,, dynamics, transparency and overall balance are simply incredible. Compared the REF 2 SE to the Boulder 1008 & the Burmester & the ARC's characteristics were the most appealing to me & my system. If you have tubes & especially a good SET amp, this combo can be amazing.

[Fabiano]

tks Sanji!!

[turntable]

Hi guys

Many done the upgrade from ref2 to ref2se? What are you thoughts and how many hours have you done?

Anyone that owns the ref2se, I am interested if the ref2se changed much sonically during the 600 hours break.

Cheers

[sanji]

My REF 2SE has about 560 hours now. The sound is a lot more smooth and transparent vs the bright & edgy sound it began with. The unit is a lot more transparent with tighter and more textured bass. The soundstaging which was great to begin with is really awesome. The low level detail and dynamics are really wonderful. Overall the phonostage is a very musical unit.

[turntable]

Good to know Sanji.

ARC has always been known for transparency and detail, so great the large Teflon caps have not seemed to have effected that aspect of the music. Also great that the bass has stayed tight.

The huge soundstaging coupled with beautiful detail is what I remember most from the ref 2 phono. Getting very close to pulling the trigger on one.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by turntable

Hi guys

Many done the upgrade from ref2 to ref2se? What are you thoughts and how many hours have you done?

Anyone that owns the ref2se, I am interested if the ref2se changed much sonically during the 600 hours break.

Cheers

Not yet Shane. Not sure if I will.

howie

[turntable]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

Not yet Shane. Not sure if I will.

howie

Why is that Howie? happy with the phono as is, going Kondo?