ARC Ref 75 SE Question

[Down Under]

Just to be difficult,I would keep the Bryston amps,particularly at 84db efficiency for the PMCs.
Tube preamp with SS amp is a good combo.
You need plenty of current for the PMCs.

[essjay]

It would sound good but only at low to medium levels, volume wise. You will be much better off with a Ref 150 as the 12's need the extra power as the other members have recommended

[pete6737]

I own a Ref5se. I used a Bryston 14bst then traded it for a Ref 75se. While I appreciated the tube sound over the Bryston, it wasn’t long before missed the extra headroom and I traded it in for a GS150 with my 86db Revel Salons. No problems now. Definitely move up from the Ref75 with your room and speakers, as stated previously.

[jakegt3]

The Ref 75SE is a great amp but I think you will be happier with the extra headroom of the Ref 150/150SE. I have the Ref 150, driven by the Ref 5SE, and it definitely sounds more powerful than its nominal rating of 150W. On the other hand, my speakers (Focal Sopra 3) are fairly efficient.

[bryan010201]

I have had ARC amp preamp as well as bryston amp before, have tried it all from all tube gears to full SS setup to mixed.
My current setup is ARC LS27 + parasound JC1. Bryston is known to be extremely neutral sounding gear, not surprising as they are known in pro audio circle. The JC1 is smooth sounding leaning a touch toward warm side of things (first 24w is pure class A). My spk is 91db, and JC1 has no problem driving even 8xdb planar spks anyway. They sounds glorious, fast, light yet can be listen hours without a hint of fatigue.

you might want to check out this combo with your spks. headroom is important not because u listen to rock, or having a big room, but it affect the speed of the drivers (big amp can CONTROL the drivers better, simple as that), and thus the imaging, timing, PRaT(Pace, Rhythm, and Timing).

[larevoj]

I have the Ref5se + 4BSST2 for some time and was fortunate to have the opportunity to A/B many brands including with Ref150 and Ref75 plus a few others SS amps. I have stayed with Bryston after many comparisons.

I suggest making the comparisons in your system and make the call...its the sound that matters. All amps are different and all has a character of its own.