Audio Research Ref. 150 Incoming

[MPS]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Good evening .

I have been having a little "FuN" switching between the output taps on a REF-150 driving Martin Logan CLX's and find myself concurring with a post made by sfischer1 on AN Other forum ~

"11-21-11: Sfischer1
Just spent a couple full days using a demo 150 with my Martin Logan CLX full range electrostatics. Even though the MLs have a tough impedance that drops to an ohm at high frequencies, the best sounding tap by a large margin was the 16 ohm connection"

Considering the CLX's nominal 6 Ohms impedance dipping down to 0.7 Ohms @ 20K would not our subjective findings contradict the recommendation made by John Atkinson contained within the Stereophile review ~

Interesting, haven't tried 16 ohms outputs.. I guess it's ok if it sounds right you lose some power output and gain higher distorsion but the difference might be of no importance. Generally it is "known fact" that higher outout impedance has better sound (lesser ratio in transformer, more optimal performance) but might have issues with load impedance.
So far I have used both 4 and 8 ohm taps on my VT200mkII and they sound slightly different, 4 ohms being more forward and instant and 8 ohms being generally more relaxed and "sweet" or even softer. Hmm.. need to test 16, 2, 1 ohm taps as well.

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by luchocastro

Karl, congrats on a great move! I upgraded from a REF 110 to a REF 150 and could not be happier. It is indeed a fabulous amp and a noticeable upgrade from the REF 110 which is already a great contender.

Good morning luchocastro.

I note that we are both running the same Amp to Speaker combination and I was wondering whether you had ever tried the 16 Ohm tap on the Ref 150 ?

I would be most interested in your thoughts if you have, and if not whether you might indulge me by trying out said combo please .

Jasper.

[luchocastro]

Harlequin, I have not tried the 16 Ohm tap in a while. Last time I tried it, most have been with my prior amp, a REF 110. I will give it a try next weekend and come back to you with impressions.

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by luchocastro

Harlequin, I will give it a try next weekend and come back to you with impressions.

I shall look forward to your thoughts in this regard luchocastro , it would be most interesting if you might advise me as to impedance , if available , of your cable of choice ?

Jasper.

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by luchocastro

Harlequin, I have not tried the 16 Ohm tap in a while. Last time I tried it, most have been with my prior amp, a REF 110. I will give it a try next weekend and come back to you with impressions.

Did you ever get around to giving this a try lucho? likewise MPS?

[MPS]

Actually no, sort of forgot about it..
Will do when get back home.

However I did compare 8 and 4 ohm taps and I prefer 4, most likely coz the impedance of my speakers dip down to around 1 ohm.