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  #11  
Old 10-05-2010, 01:49 PM
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cmalak cmalak is offline
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Serge...just remember that Jonathan Valin has been the consummate ARC-aholic at TAS. He hasn't reviewed one piece of ARC gear he hasn't liked. Having said that, everything I hear about the REF 3 to REF 5 transition was that it was a nice evolutionary improvement but not eye poppingly so, however, moving from the REF 5 to the 40th Aniiversary Reference Edition pre is supposed to be a head turner. The question becomes are you willing to spend the dollars. I would not buy without listening to the two side by side to make sure that step up makes sense for you.

On your other questions, I am not sure you need the CD8 and the DAC8. I would stick with the DAC8 and I am assuming ripping your music could be done ahead of when the equipment comes in and just use a music server or PC as a music source. I don't know that you need to spend $10K on a CD player in this day and age that does not have digital inputs. You can use an Olive or even a new Logitech Touch that can stream the music wirelessly and supports 24/96 files. Just my 2c worth.

Finally on the Ref 110 vs. 210 again I would listen to both side by side in the same setup with Sophia 3s. From what I understand the Ref 110s have more than enough juice to drive the Sophia 3s (I drive a tougher load in the form of the Thiel 2.4s quite comfortably with mine) however, the difference will be additional dynamic headroom and probably better instrument separation with the monos. Again whether that justifies a doubling of cost is a very personal matter.

Last edited by cmalak; 10-05-2010 at 01:53 PM.
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  #12  
Old 10-05-2010, 01:52 PM
PHC1 PHC1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Still-One View Post
Further on he states.

With the Ref 610Ts, the Ref 40, and the Ref Phono 2, I'm approaching +100 tubes! Perfect for a warm summer day.

Jon
Ref 610 are out of the question. No way, no how, total overkill for my room and speakers not to mention the heat issue... I'm sure they had lots to do with what he heard though.
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  #13  
Old 10-05-2010, 01:53 PM
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cmalak cmalak is offline
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Serge...for JV's associated equipment, check out this Reviewer Background info page (each reviewer on TAS has one) that includes a listing of his Reference system (as well as things that he listens for etc...): JV's Reviewer Background | AVguide
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  #14  
Old 10-05-2010, 01:54 PM
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cmalak cmalak is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Masterlu View Post
Perhaps an ARC forum...
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  #15  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:02 PM
PHC1 PHC1 is offline
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Cyril, there is no way I can give up a CDP. I suggest you obtain some XRCDs and give them a listen through a CDP and then the ripped version.... There is a difference as some of that analog magic recorded on the XRCD is lost and replaced with a digital edge... Not nearly as noticeable with rebook CDs. Also, how can one give up a tube CDP? I am sure I will be more than happy with the ripped and streamed music for all else but I have to have a CDP for XRCDs.

You bring up a good point with the amps... The Ref 110 may be enough to drive the Sophia 3 with authority since my room is 13x21x10 and the type of music I will be listening to mostly in this room. Of course once the Ref 110 has to be sold or upgraded, the loss will be that much less.

I should probably get the Ref 40 and be done with it to enjoy it for many years to come without the itch to upgrade.



Quote:
Originally Posted by cmalak View Post
Serge...just remember that Jonathan Valin has been the consummate ARC-aholic at TAS. He hasn't reviewed one piece of ARC gear he hasn't liked. Having said that, everything I hear about the REF 3 to REF 5 transition was that it was a nice evolutionary improvement but not eye poppingly so, however, moving from the REF 5 to the 40th Aniiversary Reference Edition pre is supposed to be a head turner. The question becomes are you willing to spend the dollars. I would not buy without listening to the two side by side to make sure that step up makes sense for you.

On your other questions, I am not sure you need the CD8 and the DAC8. I would stick with the DAC8 and I am assuming ripping your music could be done ahead of when the equipment comes in and just use a music server or PC as a music source. I don't know that you need to spend $10K on a CD player in this day and age that does not have digital inputs. You can use an Olive or even a new Logitech Touch that can stream the music wirelessly and supports 24/96 files. Just my 2c worth.

Finally on the Ref 110 vs. 210 again I would listen to both side by side in the same setup with Sophia 3s. From what I understand the Ref 110s have more than enough juice to drive the Sophia 3s (I drive a tougher load in the form of the Thiel 2.4s quite comfortably with mine) however, the difference will be additional dynamic headroom and probably better instrument separation with the monos. Again whether that justifies a doubling of cost is a very personal matter.
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  #16  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:03 PM
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jdandy jdandy is offline
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Serge.......I have admired Audio Research for a long time. Even as a serious McIntosh fan, I have lusted after more than one ARC component through the years, particularly their preamplifiers and tube amplifiers.

Providing there are no budget constraints on the two channel system, my suggestion is to fully immerse yourself in the very best ARC has to offer. My suggestions are as follows:

> Reference Anniversary Edition Preamplifier
> Reference Phono 2
> Reference CD8
> Dac 8
> Reference 210 Power amplifier (unless only the Reference 610 will do)

As for cosmetics, the black faces are attractive, but I believe the ARC components really strut their stuff in natural brushed finish. As a complete system of ARC components, the natural finish makes a powerful visual impression, and a striking statement of audio authority.

Oh, scrap the Sopia 3 idea, and return to the beloved Sasha.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
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Last edited by jdandy; 10-05-2010 at 02:06 PM.
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  #17  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:05 PM
Still-One Still-One is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PHC1 View Post
Ref 610 are out of the question. No way, no how, total overkill for my room and speakers not to mention the heat issue... I'm sure they had lots to do with what he heard though.
Serge
The Sophia's are excellent speakers but you do not have to throw that kind of coin at them to get 98% of what they offer.

Too bad you are not going out to RMAF in 10 days. At least you might hear some other gear that interests you.

Jim
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  #18  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:06 PM
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With total respect... As GREAT as the ARC gear is I cannot see that it won't be a step backward from the LAMM gear that you owned previously.
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  #19  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by two dot View Post
With total respect... As GREAT as the ARC gear is I cannot see that it won't be a step backward from the LAMM gear that you owned previously.
Stephen
That kind of sounds like the mindset that "mainstream" companies cannot compete with those ultra tweeky low volume manufacturers out there. is that where you are going here?

On some forums (not normally here on AA) you see comments that Wilson, B&W, Mcintosh, Ayre, etc cannot really be great products because they are too generic. I just don't buy into that premise.

Jim
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  #20  
Old 10-05-2010, 02:24 PM
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Jim,

No, I did not mean to insinuate that larger companies cannot make great gear... they certainly do...

And, I think that ARC is at the top of the heap along with Wilson, McIntosh, Ayre, and many others...

Just that Serge has shown a fondness for the LAMM products and that they are indeed very special amplifiers made by a small company.
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