Audio Research Ref. 150 Incoming

[kfr01]

The ARC Ref. 150 was delivered tonight.

I am letting it settle, but am very pleased with what I hear so far.

Musicality is the word that comes to mind. What do I mean? I described the phenomenon this way the first time I heard the Ref. 150 relative to a field of other amplifiers and this phenomenon is essentially the main reason I have been burning for the Ref. 150 since:::: the Ref. 150 passes through everything I want to hear, and all the recording artifacts or noise too (e.g., audience coughs in an orchestral recording), but somehow places the aggregate in a realistic and tonally wonderful context. The musical tones and harmonics are sung with passion; the remainder (like the audience cough) is off to the side, or top, or back or bottom in a very three dimensional sense - somehow making the whole scene more realistic and more enjoyable.

Other than my favorite orchestral recordings, I am in love with what the Ref. 150 is doing to the new DSD remasters of Nat King Cole's albums. The tone of that voice, strong and clear and properly placed in three dimensional space relative to the band. Bravo, Audio Research, Bravo.

[Puma Cat]

Well, if it's anything like the Ref 75, it will be quite wonderful.

[Jerome W]

Congrats Karl !

The Ref150 is a superb amplifier. I'm glad that you like it so much and it will of course get even better with break in.
Enjoy in great health !

[nonesup]

Congratulations Karl. I change my REF 3 for a 5SE last October and am hoping to get my economy to move from RE110 to 150, but comments like yours after the first audition very difficult to make me wait ...... ...
Enjoy your gift.

[jpgr4blu]

Congrats Karl. I remember loving my Ref 150 on the first night. Your love will grow as the amp breaks in. It is truly one of the best amps on the market. Period.

[Ritmo]

Originally Posted by kfr01

The ARC Ref. 150 was delivered tonight.

I am letting it settle, but am very pleased with what I hear so far.

Musicality is the word that comes to mind. What do I mean? I described the phenomenon this way the first time I heard the Ref. 150 relative to a field of other amplifiers and this phenomenon is essentially the main reason I have been burning for the Ref. 150 since:::: the Ref. 150 passes through everything I want to hear, and all the recording artifacts or noise too (e.g., audience coughs in an orchestral recording), but somehow places the aggregate in a realistic and tonally wonderful context. The musical tones and harmonics are sung with passion; the remainder (like the audience cough) is off to the side, or top, or back or bottom in a very three dimensional sense - somehow making the whole scene more realistic and more enjoyable.

Other than my favorite orchestral recordings, I am in love with what the Ref. 150 is doing to the new DSD remasters of Nat King Cole's albums. The tone of that voice, strong and clear and properly placed in three dimensional space relative to the band. Bravo, Audio Research, Bravo.

Big congratulations Karl! Enjoy in good health.

[Harlequin]

Congratulations Karl , just in time for a little ~
( I trust this linky does not contravene AUP Admin ? )

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8]The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl - Fairytale Of New York (Official Video) - YouTube[/ame]

Karl , I am curious as to which coupling capacitors have been fitted to your recent example ? as per ~

http://www.audioaficionado.org/audio...acitors-7.html

Jasper.

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Congratulations Karl , just in time for a little ~ ( I trust this linky does not contravene AUP Admin ? ) Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jbdgZidu8 Karl , I am curious as to which coupling capacitors have been fitted to your recent example ? as per ~ http://www.audioaficionado.org/audio...acitors-7.html Jasper.

I did notice white caps as I was installing the tubes... I did not think to look at the text or markings on them. I don't think they looked exactly like the ones in that Stereophile picture in the other thread. One bigger white cap rather than two.?.. I can't remember the details. I'll look again tonight.

[longbowbbs]

Congrats Karl! Did you compare with the Ref 75 or did you need the extra power for the 5A's?

[Lee]

Congratulations Karl! This is a terrific amp.