Ref 6 in black

[doggiehowser]

In my setup the combination really works.

My Thiels are power hungry and the Nemos deliver the grunt I need.

But the metallic drivers can sometimes be a little lean - so the ARC pays off.

[MMBL622]

Originally Posted by triode12

MMBL622,
Can't you get the dealer to loan you a Ref 6 to test in your system? For the price of one, the dealer should be doing this for you.

Hi triode12

I’m in Hong Kong, unfortunately we can’t get the equipment from a dealer in here to test at my home. All I can do is ask them to find a power-amp, speaker and CDP which has similar character with my system. Beside ARC, the Ref 6 dealer is selling McIntosh and Accuphase products. I’m planning to ask them to use a SS McIntosh power-amp to test the Ref 6. Because I think McIntosh’s sound neutral and warm, which has similar character with Electrocompaniet.

[Superfrg]

I remember reading some problems using a arc pre and a mcintosh amp due to the lower input impedance on mac amps.

Maybe something to consider.

I would go either full mcintosh or arc, well I would go full arc anyway but im biased..

[microstrip]

Originally Posted by MMBL622

I’m using Electrocompaniet EC-4.8 pre-amp and AW-180 Mono-block power amp for years, I enjoy EC sound but they don’t have any new pre-amp for many years. Recently I’m very interest in ARC’s Ref 6. I saw many Ref 5SE users using other brand’s SS power-amp with their ARC pre-amp and the result are very good. Does anybody know if my EC AW-180 power-amp can match with ARC Ref 6? And do you think if any improvement in sound quality if I change to ARC Ref 6? THX.

Many years ago I used the REF5 with the Electrocompaniet Aw180 monoblocks and the AW250 stereo - a great match, and a large improvement over the EC-4.8. The Electrocompaniet's have high input impedance - 110 kohm for the AW400 and are perfect for ARC tubed preamplifiers. Using an Electrocompaniet amplifier is a great solution for those wanting a quality solid state amplifier that matches ARC preamps.

[jpgr4blu]

I suggest that listening to an ARC preamp with a McIntosh ss amp is a bad match for both. I listened to the Ref3 with a Mac 500wpc ss amp years ago and thought the ARC pre seriously lacking. I purchased a Mac C1000 pre that sounded better to me. Years later, I heard an entire ARC system which far surpassed my all Mac system in SQ in almost every facet. I am now all ARC but it was a costly lesson.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

I suggest that listening to an ARC preamp with a McIntosh ss amp is a bad match for both. I listened to the Ref3 with a Mac 500wpc ss amp years ago and thought the ARC pre seriously lacking. I purchased a Mac C1000 pre that sounded better to me. Years later, I heard an entire ARC system which far surpassed my all Mac system in SQ in almost every facet. I am now all ARC but it was a costly lesson.

I agree. I started all McIntosh, then had a mix (ref 5 with mc452) and something was missing. I would steer clear of mixing those brands. It's not going to be "bad" but it won't bring out the best they are capable of.

[rscotth]

I agree. I had a ARC Ref5se with McIntosh MC501's. I always felt that I was lacking something. Bass was "wooly" and the kids and highs just didn't click with the ARC/Mac combo. Then I bought 2 ARC Ref250's to pair with the ARC Ref5se and the results were huge in all areas. I've been an ARC user for a few years now and probably won't return to McIntosh pre's and amps! My Ref250's are in the process of getting the SE upgrade and then probably down the line, the Ref5se will be upgraded to the Ref6. I prefer the ARC sound over McIntosh.

[Harlequin]

rscotth....Should you have the rack room, and no firm predilection for a warranty, then IMHO an Anniversay 40 remains more than a viable alternative to hook up with your SE'd Ref250's.

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

rscotth....Should you have the rack room, and no firm predilection for a warranty, then IMHO an Anniversay 40 remains more than a viable alternative to hook up with your SE'd Ref250's.

Perhaps. I'll try to audition them both, when the time comes.

[kngale1]

Originally Posted by rscotth

My Ref250's are in the process of getting the SE upgrade and then probably down the line, the Ref5se will be upgraded to the Ref6. I prefer the ARC sound over McIntosh.

Do you mean Ref5se will be replaced by Ref6? I don't think you can upgrade Ref5se to Ref6.

BTW, has anyone compare Ref6 to Ref10?