Audio Research GSi75 Integrated

[Still-One]

The new Audio Research GSi75 Integrated Tube Amplifier is pretty nice looking. I prefer the design of the G Series over the more traditional AR products.

[jdandy]

Jim.......Are you considering a second system?

[Still-One]

Dan
Not really. I just like the looks of the unit.

[The Lost Bears]

I really like the open design of the G series amps. And the handles on top would make it a lot easier to move around. If it had a similar face plate to the Ref 75 with the meters, I would really like it. But to me the G series face plates look very dated.

I also think the Ref preamps are not really that good looking. I had serious reservation when I bought my Ref 5se. The early Ref preamps were so much better looking. After the Ref 2 mk2 to me they started to look cheap with the green display and plastic buttons. The Ref 5se at least has the metal buttons. But I still hate the green display.

[Harlequin]

I was fortunate in having an early sample GS150 on home demo for a couple of weeks, and despite initial reservations about the GS series cosmetic departure from the more 'traditional' ARC styling, I really grew to enjoy the more svelte lines of the new amplifier, especially as when 'parked' next to my incumbent Ref150, styling wise, the GS looking more Aston Martin to the latters Skip Lorry!
The more open frame design of the GS appearing a little less 'looming' on the eye.

The analogue meters as sported on the facia certainly added to this optical perception, whilst adding a degree of 'life' and mesmeric engugment with the amplifier, most particularly during those late evening listening session's .

I found the lower profile, heavy duty, stiffened construction of the main chassis to add a degree of solidity to such a large piece of equipment in comparison with the thinner gauge, box construction of the Ref amplifier, the re positioned grab handles most certainly made the GS considerably easier to manoeuvre around.

During my time with the GS I did however begin to appreciate the notably more solid manufacturing of the Ref150's speaker binding posts, the newer examples feeling much less assured on the thread and IMHO generally less well manufactured.

It was my perception of the main switch controls, prior to literally getting my hands on them, that they appeared to be manufactured from an organic polymer, However I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were, despite their appearance, manufactured from an metal alloy, and were much more substantial to the touch than I feared.

However, this would appear not to be the case with reagrd to the quality of the actual switch mechanism itself, as on my example I found the stepped control of the bias selector to be rather stiff (and not in a precise manner) and less than assured, in the way that heavy duty well manufactured switches feel in operation, and felt distinctly low budget in comparison.

This perception was to be later born out, with the bias control switch growing ever stickier and less responsive even with very light use, only to fail completely shortly after. I did find one other reference to this exact same scenario on another forum, however in the interest of balance, many other user/owners of the GS series appear not to mention this phenomenon, therefore one may conclude that there were at least, two, switches that made it past ARC quality control, rather than a widespread problem indicative of a faulty batch.

However, my opinion of the overall quality of the stepped switch on this particular control remains.

All that said, I found the GS150 to be a consummate performer audibly, and most pleasing to the eye visually.

[AudioNut]

That is one good looking piece of equipment . . . but at $25,000, it had better be.

[analog brother]

they look even better in the flesh.
i didn't like it at first, but seeing it changed my mind.
both the power and pre are in fact, quite elegant.
the sound to me was ok, but i think perhaps slightly below reference level (especially now that se models are out)
the pre does have a built-in phono stage though, but only heard cd as a source.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by AudioNut

That is one good looking piece of equipment . . . but at $25,000, it had better be.

Pretty sure it doesn't cost that much.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Pretty sure it doesn't cost that much.

Marc.......The Audio Research list price for the GS150 power amplifier is $25,000.00. The GSPre is $18,000.00. You're looking at $43,000.00 for the stack.

[jdandy]

I can't say I am thrilled to see two fans on the rear of the GS150. I would be more inclined to operate the amp with the cover and fans removed.