ARC REF 10 Review (mini review)

[Albikes]

What a kind welcome from you all! Thanks again!

Mmmm hmmm, I know ARC begets ARC. ;-) In fact, the REF 40 acquisition led me down the path, I did it on my own, no serpent nor Eve offered an apple, to buy an oldie but goodie ARC CD player setup.

So here's what's worthy of description so far:

2Ch System:
ARC CDT-1 to Genesis Digital Lens to Timbre DAC via ST glass fiber
other equip not worth mentioning, but cost too much and can't be sold
Apogee Full Range Speakers, fully rebuilt with new components/conventional x-over

[Albikes]

I have subscribed!

Here's the living room I'm working with. To get back on ARC topic, I'll get a picture of the CDT this weekend. Have a great one everybody!

[MiCoMeyer]

Hi, I also have pass labs XA160.5 poweramp and love them running my sf guarneri evolution (+ two REL G1s in meantime). I have no preamp yet though, use a Ayon CD5s directly into the pass labs (it has an analogue linestage, tubed). Has anybody had the chance to compared the Ref10 with the Ref5SE?. How close is the 5SE? Thx

[Amado]

Originally Posted by MiCoMeyer

Hi, I also have pass labs XA160.5 poweramp and love them running my sf guarneri evolution (+ two REL G1s in meantime). I have no preamp yet though, use a Ayon CD5s directly into the pass labs (it has an analogue linestage, tubed). Has anybody had the chance to compared the Ref10 with the Ref5SE?. How close is the 5SE? Thx

Is not fair comparison. The REF5se is the best upgrade yet by ARC but the REF10 is in another league.
You will love the REF5se even if you find a preowned REF5 you still will love the sound it produces.
But comparing both is not fair, starting that is more than twice in price.
I wished magazine and web reviews start flowing so everybody could understand
the incredibly breakthrough ARC did with this wonderful unit.
I could say is the best preamp on the planet .

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by Amado

Is not fair comparison. The REF5se is the best upgrade yet by ARC but the REF10 is in another league.
You will love the REF5se even if you find a preowned REF5 you still will love the sound it produces.
But comparing both is not fair, starting that is more than twice in price.
I wished magazine and web reviews start flowing so everybody could understand
the incredibly breakthrough ARC did with this wonderful unit.
I could say is the best preamp on the planet .

I totally agree. A big +1.