ARC REF10 review

[Harlequin]

Thank you for your further considerations TLi, I did note the reviewers opinion regarding relative amplifier topology matching, and wonder whether you would concur?

An alternative option that I am also considering would see me retaining the REF5se running into an D'Agostino Mommentum Stereo, although at this time I am still leaning toward option No1 into the REF150, potentially sporting an SE upgrade.

Jasper.

Jasper.

[TLi]

Yes, I would go for power amp upgrade. Upgrade your weakness link in your system yields the best return.

Ref5se is a very good preamp on its own, going for Ref10 or 40th only changes the sound a little bit. A good power amp upgrade should be more fun.

I ran by preamps first with Ref250 then Passlabs Xs150. The difference between Ref250 and Pass Labs Xs150 was far larger than.

[veerapaneni]

You mean to say pass xs150 is better than ref 250 ? Curious.

[TLi]

Originally Posted by veerapaneni

You mean to say pass xs150 is better than ref 250 ? Curious.

I hate to say that but yes, Xs150 sounds much better than Ref 250 in my system. It is not to say Ref 250 is no good. They were much better than my previous tube amp, Sonic Frontiers Power 3.

The Pass Labs Xs series has a very tube like sound but carries the power and resolution of transistor amp. With the Xs150, I hear more details, tighter bass and warmer sound. Apart from the huge size and high price tag, I can't think of any deficiency in them. They are going to be in my system for a very long time.