AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > Manufacturers Forums > Audio Research

Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #21  
Old 03-09-2017, 03:09 AM
ralf-11 ralf-11 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 28
Default

does the LS16 have the real knobs or the twist & hold things like my LS26?

(I know... the newer knobs have better SQ -- or are easier and cheaper to attain better SQ with, but I don't like the ergonomics.)
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 03-10-2017, 11:42 PM
Randy Myers Randy Myers is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Nipomo, CA
Posts: 2,142
Default

Comparing amplifiers. I recently picked up a VT50 that was refurnished and retubed at the factory. Love the sound... so my question is... considering the new VT80... I know the auto bias and flexibility on tubes that can be used, but other than that, sound wise???

Is there huge differences in the 15 year old amp versus the latest released amp... in sound quality, quality of build???? or is it simply the features?
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-10-2017, 11:50 PM
2fastdriving 2fastdriving is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,772
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
Comparing amplifiers. I recently picked up a VT50 that was refurnished and retubed at the factory. Love the sound... so my question is... considering the new VT80... I know the auto bias and flexibility on tubes that can be used, but other than that, sound wise???

Is there huge differences in the 15 year old amp versus the latest released amp... in sound quality, quality of build???? or is it simply the features?
Heard it last night...freaking amazing. Run, don't walk...

I still think you will get more from an ARC preamp, Randy. That's where the magic happens.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-11-2017, 10:53 AM
Randy Myers Randy Myers is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Nipomo, CA
Posts: 2,142
Default

Thanks Marc. I am very happy with the STP-SE for now. My buddy back in New York that was using it for a few months compared it to many very high end models. He owns the Ayres top model pre-amp in his main system (he recently owned and sold his CJ GAT, PS Audio top model, Mc C52, lower Ayres model, and he borrowed a friends ARC Ref6).

He told me that he was pretty amazed at how the W4S pre held it's own and described it as very "neutral" and very "tube" sounding... However, I may eventually get an ARC to try out (I have become very fond of ARC).

I am looking long term to plan out to me a destination amplifier. I really feel that an ARC amplifier is where I want to be; weather I keep the SS amp as a switch up I have yet to decide. For now it is nice having both. The Ampzilla is one heck of an amplifier and I personally believe that the STP-SE and the SOA are probably the two finest pieces that EJ has ever designed.

Last edited by Randy Myers; 03-11-2017 at 10:56 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 12-02-2019, 09:42 PM
6dj8 6dj8 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Minnesota USA
Posts: 29
Default

I feel it has mainly to do with the shift to Russian tubes around the late 80’s.

The classic power tubes are more flavorful and rich sounding.

Gone are all the 6550 classic power tubes that are unavailable in matched sets.

The 6dj8 and 6992 and variants of NOS that are still around, allow for a spectrum of great sound quality not available with the "one choice" Russian tubes now used in ARC’s current products.

I do not think many "tube" equipment freaks today "roll" tubes for a particular "flavor" anymore.

IMHO that is a big mistake.

Last edited by 6dj8; 12-06-2019 at 08:52 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 12-14-2019, 11:54 PM
6dj8 6dj8 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Minnesota USA
Posts: 29
Default

I just put an ARC SP-9 Mk III preamp into my home theater system.
I put NOS Golden Dragon tubes (China) in, that I had stored away.

Blew away the Pass labs X1 used before. Much more warmth, 3D, and presence.

My home theater system:
Sony HDTV
Apple TV box
Sony BLu-ray player
Schiit Gungnir (gumby)
Cardas Golden Cross to SP-9
ARC SP 9
Cardas Cross to Son of Ampzilla 2000
Cardas Golden Cross speaker cables
Magnepan IIIa speakers

Sounds fantastic!
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 12-15-2019, 08:36 AM
Formerly YB-2's Avatar
Formerly YB-2 Formerly YB-2 is offline
Retired

 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NJ Shore
Posts: 8,404
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 6dj8 View Post
I feel it has mainly to do with the shift to Russian tubes around the late 80’s.

The classic power tubes are more flavorful and rich sounding.

Gone are all the 6550 classic power tubes that are unavailable in matched sets.

The 6dj8 and 6992 and variants of NOS that are still around, allow for a spectrum of great sound quality not available with the "one choice" Russian tubes now used in ARC’s current products.

I do not think many "tube" equipment freaks today "roll" tubes for a particular "flavor" anymore.

IMHO that is a big mistake.
Most alll the tube folks I know roll tubes. Especially me. Think ARC's move to the 6H30 Russian tube was a big mistake and the primary reason I no longer consider ARC gear. Only one or two sources for tubes. One can always hunt around for the Soviet era tubes, but at several $hundred, each, that gets expensive quick. Their move away from the 6922 was the end. Same with power tubes and the KT120/150. ARC.......... may they RIP (from my perspective).
__________________
Glenn...
Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 12-15-2019, 10:22 PM
ariess ariess is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Baltimore
Posts: 763
Default

ARC has been at the top of their game and the heap in the last ten years. Every new Reference line product has been winning Product of the Year in its category.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 12-16-2019, 12:39 AM
2fastdriving 2fastdriving is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,772
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ariess View Post
ARC has been at the top of their game and the heap in the last ten years. Every new Reference line product has been winning Product of the Year in its category.
Boom. I agree x 1000
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 01-02-2020, 02:48 AM
6dj8 6dj8 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: Minnesota USA
Posts: 29
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ariess View Post
ARC has been at the top of their game and the heap in the last ten years. Every new Reference line product has been winning Product of the Year in its category.
Many of the older ARC modeled of the late 80’s, and early 90’s, also won many top reviews in their time.

I also feel reviewers tastes have shifted to a “dryer more analytic SS” type of sound in the 2000’s with regards to tube equipment.

How many tube amps does Fremer review for example?

Last edited by 6dj8; 01-02-2020 at 02:51 AM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:39 PM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video