VS 115 compared to Reference 75

[calcutroop]

Hi !
I actually have a ARC VS115 with ARC 5se and ARC Phono 2se. My speakers are Wilson Audio Sophia 3 and my source is Linn Sondek LP-12, Rega rb-700 Keel, Lingo, Trampoline 2, Kerry Titanium counterweight, Woodson plinth and Lyra Kleos, Cardas Golden Reference phono with WBT AG.
I am interested by ARC Reference 75 but I am uncertain if it is up to the 120 Watts (KT120) of he VS-115. Is it a big difference in power. Would it be challenging for Sophia 3.
Also, if I change my Sophia 3 for Sasha 2, will I get the same answer.
My room is 21 x 13 x 8.

[2fastdriving]

I never heard a vs-115, but I know the ref75 will have plenty of power for those speakers and your room. It will likely be a better sounding amp, too.

[audioguy3107]

Any chance of an in home audition? That may be the thing that will really answer your questions.

- Buck

[calcutroop]

Originally Posted by audioguy3107

Any chance of an in home audition? That may be the thing that will really answer your questions.

- Buck

I know but it is so heavy........and the only «in home audition» available in Quebec city means to get the ARC on saturday 4h30 pm and take it back next monday at 9h00 am. It is not obvious.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by calcutroop

I know but it is so heavy........and the only «in home audition» available in Quebec city means to get the ARC on saturday 4h30 pm and take it back next monday at 9h00 am. It is not obvious.

It's not that heavy. And one and a half days is better than no days!

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

It's not that heavy. And one and a half days is better than no days!

I'm with ya! The longer you have it at home, the better handle you can get on its sonic signature. Always fun to in home audition a new component

- Buck

[jakegt3]

The power difference (120W vs. 75W) is not significant in terms of perceived loudness that can be achieved. It's only 2 dB, which is enough to be noticeable but not enough to be significant. More important is the "quality" of those Watts, in other words the sound quality of the amps.

[2fastdriving]

My ref75 never gets above 5 watts and it's plenty loud. The Sophia is even easier to drive. I'm certain you will end up with a ref75 in your room

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by calcutroop

I know but it is so heavy........and the only «in home audition» available in Quebec city means to get the ARC on saturday 4h30 pm and take it back next monday at 9h00 am. It is not obvious.

If you have the opportunity above to take it home for a day and a half, definitely do it (very few have the opportunity as you to demo equipment at home). Minimal effort and the best way to determine whether the Ref 75 justifies the switch over the VS-115 (I suspect it will). This is the ideal way to demo a piece of gear - with your own equipment and in your own room.

No brainer!! Do the demo and decide!!

PS: Asking folks on audio forums for their opinions has its uses (especially for those who don't have local demo options, whether at a dealer or at home) but in your case always let your own ears be the ultimate arbiter of what to buy when you have that opportunity to demo locally. We all have our opinions/biases (many of which will not coincide with yours), we all hear differently, we have different gear, and different rooms in which we listen, ...so our opinions should be a distant third to listening for yourself in your own home when you can first, and listening for yourself at a dealer second.

[analog brother]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

My ref75 never gets above 5 watts and it's plenty loud. The Sophia is even easier to drive. I'm certain you will end up with a ref75 in your room

agreed. the loaner will stay. just pay and be done.