Arc & yg?

[schneice]

Hi all,

It time to upgrade my speakers to get more our of my ARC. I've recently spent some time listening to the YG Kipods, and came away quite impressed - natural feel of base, resolution, imaging. My biggest reservation was a bit of the tone up top. But this could easily be the SS electrics vs the ARC magic I've come to love.

Unfortunately, my nearest dealer is 200 mi away. Has anyone heard YG paired with ARC?

Thanks!

Hi Schneice, yes YG's have a tendency to brightness in the top end. The best sound i've heard from YG's was a pair of Sonja's I heard connected to a Vitus SS-102 and CH Precision front end. The Vitus is the first amp i've heard tame the YG's and gave them a softer, warmer sound. And your ARC should offer similar sonic virtues, though I personally haven't heard this combo. Hopefully other members with direct experience will chime in. Power-wise, the Kipods are an 87db/8ohm load with a 5ohm dip which is only moderate. That said, i'd recommend the active version with your VS-115 as your amp will be less stressed and you'll get better tube life.

Cheers,

[schneice]

Thanks - I appreciate your thoughts. I'd been thinking similarly about the active subs. I hope to moving toward more power in time - but its going to take a little while with a big speaker outlay

[cmalak]

schneice...I have not heard the combo but I am not sure the ARC will tame the top end of the YGs you are considering. ARC electronics are very neutral and do not roll off high frequencies, so you will hear the high frequencies as presented by the YGs I would imagine with the ARC. Of course nothing beats trying to hear them together for yourself but I understand that will likely be difficult to do. One suggestion is to call YG and ask them if they have ever driven any of their speakers with ARC electronics and if that combo works, especially as it relates to the top end presentation. Just a thought.

[Still-One]

I will be honest and say that the only time I ever heard the YG's sound really good was with PASS gear. That said, I have never heard it with AR.

[taters]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I will be honest and say that the only time I ever heard the YG's sound really good was with PASS gear. That said, I have never heard it with AR.

I heard YG speakers with all tube gear and it sounded great. ARC is very neutral so I think you would have to hear it for yourself.

Originally Posted by Still-One

I will be honest and say that the only time I ever heard the YG's sound really good was with PASS gear. That said, I have never heard it with AR.

Pass xa 100.5's are at that mid price point (similar in price to the Aesthetix Atlas hybrid mono's). The Vitus Signature series are a level up both in price and sound. But yes the YG's need a warm, rich sounding amp which is a bit forgiving. Any of the above amps would likely be good options.

[schneice]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Next step will likely be to pack up the amps for a road trip! I'll keep you posted.

Thanks once again - it is great to have a place to share my excitement.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by schneice

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. Next step will likely be to pack up the amps for a road trip! I'll keep you posted.

Thanks once again - it is great to have a place to share my excitement.

That's the best way to figure it out. However, you can always call ARC, they are very honest people. I was trying to figure out between the Ref75 and Ref150, and after telling them what I was trying to do, they suggested the Ref75. If they weren't honest, they could have downplayed the 75 and pushed me toward the 150. I bet they know exactly what amps sound best with the speakers you are wondering about, and can tell you what to expect.

[schneice]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

That's the best way to figure it out. However, you can always call ARC, they are very honest people. I was trying to figure out between the Ref75 and Ref150, and after telling them what I was trying to do, they suggested the Ref75. If they weren't honest, they could have downplayed the 75 and pushed me toward the 150. I bet they know exactly what amps sound best with the speakers you are wondering about, and can tell you what to expect.

Congrats on the REF75! It is a great piece of gear. I read you're thread too late. I had an opportunity to compare the REF75 and REF150 back-to-back. Safe to say there is no bad option.

Appreciate the advice. I'll try to ring them after the holiday.