ARC REF250SE vs. GS150

[stjlinus]

After a lot of deliberating and listening I decided to go for the ARC REF 6 and REF250SEs. (The deciding factor was that the RFE250SEs were "B stock" (used units with new tubes) so the price was discounted by a fair amount.) I really liked the GS150, so listened to the GS150 an REF250SEs back to back and heard a fair amount of difference between the two in terms of detail, clarity, and depth. Not to take anything away from the GS150 - it sounded really terrific, but since I probably won't be buying new electronics for many years (if ever!) I went for it.

I was finally able to set up the REF 6 and REF250SEs with a pair of B&W 802D2s this weekend, and they sound, right out of the box, incredible. (I had a Parasound JC2 with JC-1s, previously, same CD player, a Marantz reference unit, with Audience conditioner and power cables, Kimber interconnects and speaker cables.) The musicality, detail, delicacy, nuance, and just about everything else I can think of is hugely different, so it is pretty cool. (This is all with the REF 6 mounted essentially on a "card table" since I need to buy a new rack that fits the units!)

I really could not imagine that music could not sound this good, so am very thankful.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by stjlinus

After a lot of deliberating and listening I decided to go for the ARC REF 6 and REF250SEs. (The deciding factor was that the RFE250SEs were "B stock" (used units with new tubes) so the price was discounted by a fair amount.) I really liked the GS150, so listened to the GS150 an REF250SEs back to back and heard a fair amount of difference between the two in terms of detail, clarity, and depth. Not to take anything away from the GS150 - it sounded really terrific, but since I probably won't be buying new electronics for many years (if ever!) I went for it.

I was finally able to set up the REF 6 and REF250SEs with a pair of B&W 802D2s this weekend, and they sound, right out of the box, incredible. (I had a Parasound JC2 with JC-1s, previously, same CD player, a Marantz reference unit, with Audience conditioner and power cables, Kimber interconnects and speaker cables.) The musicality, detail, delicacy, nuance, and just about everything else I can think of is hugely different, so it is pretty cool. (This is all with the REF 6 mounted essentially on a "card table" since I need to buy a new rack that fits the units!)

I really could not imagine that music could not sound this good, so am very thankful.

So which one was better the GS150 or 250SEs?

[stjlinus]

250SEs (sorry I didn't make that clear.) The GS150 was really fine, but did not match the REF250SEs in terms of detail, speed, and clarity. This comparison was done with B&W800D3s, a DCS front end, and transparent cables (I think.)

[veerapaneni]

I have compared both gs150 and new ref 250se and chose 250 with my Vandersteen 5A carbons. Gs150 is very very good but 250se were better in my system.

[New guy]

Originally Posted by stjlinus

250SEs (sorry I didn't make that clear.) The GS150 was really fine, but did not match the REF250SEs in terms of detail, speed, and clarity. This comparison was done with B&W800D3s, a DCS front end, and transparent cables (I think.)

Good to know. I am planning to update my REF250 to the SE version some time next year when the tubes need to be replaced.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by stjlinus

250SEs (sorry I didn't make that clear.) The GS150 was really fine, but did not match the REF250SEs in terms of detail, speed, and clarity. This comparison was done with B&W800D3s, a DCS front end, and transparent cables (I think.)

[tima]

I'm wondering if the Livio Cucuzza designed Galileo (GS) line was an 'experimental' part of the ARC ownership transition that went from Plymouth to Italy (and on to World of McIntosh.) I suppose we'll see if they announce new GS components. Usually ARC clearly differentiates model lineups.

[dracule1]

Originally Posted by craigs720

The front end is a TechDas Air Force One Turntable/ Herron Audio phono pre and a Oppo 105/Bryston BDP-2/Bricasti M1 dac all into a Pass Labs XP-30 preamp.

The speakers are Eventus Audio Nebula.

Hi are you still using the Herron phono preamp? What is it that you like using this preamp? Just a little surprised you’re using this pre with the AF1, but I’ve heard great things about the Herron. Thanks.

[craigs720]

Hi! you still using the Herron phono preamp? What is it that you like using this preamp? Just a little surprised you’re using this pre with the AF1, but I’ve heard great things about the Herron. Thanks.

Sorry for the late reply. Haven’t been spending much time on the boards recently. I sold the Herron phono pre and moved to a Pass Labs XP-25. I loved the Herron, though. It was a fine phono pre. Very natural sounding. The TechDas AF 1 is, shall we say, quite pricey so I didn’t have the funds to make a change at that time. Haha

I also changed out the GS150 for the Ref 250SE. They are much better amps.

[metaphacts]

Simple and direct solution: REF 160M or S.

The others are not close.

ymmv