Combining the vintage ARC with the newer models

[tdh888]

Hi ,

I had the chance to try the REF 5SE & REF Phono 2SE in combination w/ my vintage system (ARC D79B x 2 and the ARC EC21 Electronic X over driving my rebuilt stock Magnepan MG 3A Bi-Amp) . I was surprised by the results. Because of the REF 5 & Phono 2 my vintage system's resolutuion improved a lot. It seems window was opened , greater extension of the high frequency w/o being analytic. It was more dynamic , w/ a blacker background. The bass went deeper and tighter w/o being emasculated. The mids became 3 dimensional better than when I was using my ARC SP10MK2 . It seems I dont hear the EC21 & D79B's . Its the superb characteristics of the 5SE & Phono 2SE that I can discern.
Anyone in this forum tried this combination ( new w/ the vintage models) .

Tdh888

[ehoove]

What an oppurtunity! I do know that when inserting my current LS16MkII preamp using the 6H30 tube architecture, there was a big improvement over both the SP14, and LS15 driving my Triamped modded MGIIIa's. Interesting as the SP10Mk2 is highly regarded, but ARC has made huge strides since the 80's
Regards,
Jim

[tdh888]

Hi Ehoove,

Thanks for the reply it seems I'll be listening to my vintage system together w/ my REF 5SE & Phono 2SE in the mean time . I wont be using my REF 610T & save on electricity . Because as of now I'm happy camper. By the way whats amps and crossover are you using w/ your MG 3A ?

Tdh888

[ehoove]

I'm driving the NHT W2 subs using the NHT X1 crossover with a Acurus A200 Amp. The MGIIIa's I use a Beheringer DCX2496 with the Selectronics of France Power Supply and Analog output upgrades. I am using a Acurus A200 (300Watts RMS) to drive the bass panels, a pair of Quicksilver M60 tube mono blocks (60 watts RMS) driving the midrange panels, and a pair of Quicksilver Mini Mono tube mono blocks (30 watts RMS) driving the ribbons. The MGIIIa's are in Maple Frames and direct connect rewired (internal crossover removed) and braced with custom stands.
Regards,
Jim

[tdh888]

Thanks Ehoove for the reply. When my Magnepan MG 3A is used in my system Biamp using the ARC EC21 X Over the sound is sublime.When I used the stock X over and use them full range ( using my REF 610T 's ) they sound like crap. I wish I can modify the stock X Over but dont know what parts are needed to be upgraded or replaced.
Ive tried the MG3A biamped w/ a seperate subwoofer ( Velodyne ULD18 series 2 ) and these set up sounds superb. Unfortunately the subwoofer is used in a seperate home theater system in the second floor of our home .

Best regards ,

Tdh888

[triode12]

Originally Posted by tdh888

Thanks Ehoove for the reply. When my Magnepan MG 3A is used in my system Biamp using the ARC EC21 X Over the sound is sublime.When I used the stock X over and use them full range ( using my REF 610T 's ) they sound like crap. I wish I can modify the stock X Over but dont know what parts are needed to be upgraded or replaced.
Ive tried the MG3A biamped w/ a seperate subwoofer ( Velodyne ULD18 series 2 ) and these set up sounds superb. Unfortunately the subwoofer is used in a seperate home theater system in the second floor of our home .

Best regards ,

Tdh888

An active xover will always trump over a passive one (no matter how well designed it is). Best to just use your EC21 or get a newer active xover like a Marchand.

[tdh888]

Thanks for the suggestion Triode12