Audio Research Pre with SS Amp

[Mikeoz]

I thought the topic was ARC Pre with SS Amp ?

FWIW I use a LS26 with a Krell 302e and am itching to get my hands on a Ref5SE to partner it. I listen to a lot of Rock/ Metal (as well as acoustic stuff/ classical) so I need an allrounder. I dont think a tube power amp will deliver the bass/ dynamics hence this combo.

Although my current set up works well (especially with acoustic music) I think the electronic stuff could be improved hence the Ref5SE. Otherwise I may end up looking at quality SS Preamps....

[larevoj]

I am also thinking this maybe a good match - http://www.ta-hifi.de/fileadmin/pdf/...V_Englisch.pdf 😄

[TarnishedEars]

I know that this gear is rather old by the standards of this forum, but my old SP8 sounds great in combination with my little Classe 70 amp.

[roboss38]

I have a Pass Labs XA30.8 arriving on Monday to pair with my Ref 5 SE. I'm looking forward to this combination.

[drabbish]

anyone run the 5se with a 911mk3? I am considering that match vs a 011/911.

[larevoj]

Originally Posted by roboss38

I have a Pass Labs XA30.8 arriving on Monday to pair with my Ref 5 SE. I'm looking forward to this combination.

Do share your thoughts I am considering this combination as well but thinking with the 100.8 maybe better for low sensitivity speakers.

[roboss38]

Originally Posted by larevoj

Do share your thoughts I am considering this combination as well but thinking with the 100.8 maybe better for low sensitivity speakers.

I just got the XA30.8 racked and playing. It's a beast, and can't imagine what moving the 100.8 would be like. Out of the box, it sounds good but a little all over the map. I've got 15 days to audition it, so I will have a clearer picture by then.

[Forte 4A]

Recently added a Bryston 2.5 amp w/my SP-16. Tighter bottom and improved clarity at the top. IMO Audio Research and Bryston make a excellent combo if you want to mix SS/Tubes.

[Maxflo]

Originally Posted by drabbish

anyone run the 5se with a 911mk3? I am considering that match vs a 011/911.

I fought about the same to match REf DACa z 911MKIII but on the local audio forum some of the users told me it does not work due to impedance. so beeing happy with Ref150 with KT150 I decided even not to test such configuration. 911 likes burmester pre - just short synergy.

[Nacho]

Hi.
In the last year i've been listening many preamps with my Omega's.
ARC Ref5Se
Classé CP700
Classé CP800
Dartzeel NHB 18 Ns
Ypsilon PST100Mkii
The best match by far was the ARC. Really great sound. But as i said on another forum, the sound was too big for my taste. Like a big wall of sound. It was very awesome but i needed to control better the hole range of frecuencies.
The Classes were in the opposite side. Very flat sound.
The Dart was producing a hum sound that didn't let me take a serious opinion about it.
The Ypsilon was a great surprise. The most transparent sound i've ever heard. But lacked bass extension.
At that point, i've never keeped out of my mind the ARC impact.
What to do at this point? As a TAD owner i recall to the electronic brand reviews and read the Stereophile one of the TAD C600. Phrases such as:
"TAD C600 produced the most extended, most muscular, most tightly defined bass."
"Tube-like sound"
"The C600's bass performance, particularly its extension and sculpted definition, was stunning"
That was the perfect preamp. Tube-like sound with the benefits of the transistors control.
.....And i bought it....
So.... WHERE IS THE SOUND I READ????
All sound esteril, without body. I was knocked.
I know....never buy a component without listening it. But in this hobbie all of us are a bit crazy. And i am a little more !!!!!
Today i'm trying to resolve that situation with the DAC and cables impact on the sound.
How much easy would have been to purchase an ARC and put a "hard as a rock" DAC like the Esoteric D02 on the chain.
More to come.......