Preview of the Audio Research Ref 150 amp from The Audio Beat...

[jpgr4blu]

Seems like Jeff is close to a review. Now there is an opinion we can all anticipate. Does the bottom end develop more grunt over time as the added joules, new caps and new transformer would seem to indicate?

[Tonepub]

Bass doesn't really change over time, but compared to a friends REF110, there is definitely more weight, slam, texture and control.

[cmalak]

Thx jpgr4blu and Jeff. Appreciate the feedback thus far

[jpgr4blu]

Thanks Jeff.

[markmck79]

Thanks to both of you. I'm really looking forward to Jeff's complete review. This amp is on my short list (a VERY short list of one).

The one place I found the REF110 lacking was in control of the bottom end. I recently heard an upgraded model with KT120's driving Wilson Sasha's that seemed to close the gap somewhat. I'm hoping the improved power supplies in the '150 goes a step further and amalgamates the control that I have in the HD220 with the midrange and treble magic of the '110.

[Tonepub]

I think you will be VERY happy with the upgrade.

[Ritmo]

Mark,

How are you enjoying your LS27? Mine has gone over 200 hrs and is sounding wonderful...

Mike

[markmck79]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

Mark,

How are you enjoying your LS27? Mine has gone over 200 hrs and is sounding wonderful...

Mike

I haven't checked the hours lately and I'm on vacation right now, but I can't think of any dimension that it does not already better my LS26 and I think I should still have some break-in ahead of me. I listened to a few other pre's in its price range and I think the '27 is an outstanding value. I've heard it compares very closely to the REF3, but I haven't heard one of those in 2-3 years. I would like to get one in my system to compare. I know that my dealer thinks that it is shockingly good compared with the REF5 for the price difference.

Now if I can just get my hands on a REF150...

[Ritmo]

That Ref150 is a great looking amp. I listened to one briefly driving a pair of Sashas. It was terrific.

Mike

[markmck79]

Originally Posted by Ritmo

That Ref150 is a great looking amp. I listened to one briefly driving a pair of Sashas. It was terrific.

Mike

Mike-

Was that the same system you auditioned your DS450 in before you purchased it? Did you consider the REF150 at all?

I heard the REF110 (with KT120s) with the Sophia 3s and Sashas. I didn't feel that the step from Sophia 2 to 3 justified the expense of upgrading to me, but I would say that a good demo/factory re-certified pair of Sashas might be in my future in 2-4 years when Wilson introduces the Sasha 2. The Sophia 3 is an obvious improvement over my 2's, but I'm really hoping that the the REF150/Sasha combination blows me away. I know it was a brief audition, but could you elaborate somewhat?