Preview of ARC's Ref 250 monoblocks from The Audio Beat...

[cmalak]

Chuck...do you know if it will be tube-based or if it will remain SS?

[New guy]

According to ARC's CES invitation, they may show the Ref Dac. They will be demoing the Ref 5SE, cd8, dac8 and Ref250 driving Sonus Faber Aida speakers.

[cmalak]

Welcome to AA New_guy

Do you have any details on the Ref DAC?

[SRT-10 Viper]

Cyril; I asked the same question... The answer wasn't as confident as they may show it a CES but he said yes tubes.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by SRT-10 Viper

Cyril; I asked the same question... The answer wasn't as confident as they may show it a CES but he said yes tubes.

Thx Chuck

[markmck79]

Originally Posted by SRT-10 Viper

I've heard from a pretty good source that ARC might show a REF DAC8 prototype at CES.

I look forward to the opportunity to eat my own words. I've contacted my "inside source", but have not heard back yet...

[New guy]

I am considering getting a pair of REF 250s and have a few questions. I am new to tubes and just recently got a REF 5SE. I am really enjoying the sound tube so I thought a REF 250 might mate well with the REF 5SE.

1. How does it sound compare to SS amps? I have Krell mono blocks now and it will be used for 2 channel music and home theater.

2. How long will the tubes last?

3. What is the cost to retube these amps?

4. Will it have enough power to drive Revel Salon 2 speakers?

Sorry for the newbie questions. I am still a tube virgin.

[cmalak]

New_guy...here is my stab at your questions. Others, I am sure, will join in with their perspectives:

1. It is hard to generalize because every amp is a function of it's circuit design, parts used, implementation of that design, etc...In general, tube power amps, will deliver more midrange realism/presence, a more immersive/3D sound, a more liquid/smooth presentation (which denotes tubes are more capable of fully fleshing out a note's attack, fundamental and decay), and overall to my ears a more realistic presentation overall. What they do not do as well vs. their SS brethren is control bass woofers in a speaker. So bass will be less articulated and usually less deep. In the case of the Ref 250s, the power supply is overbuilt and should deliver plenty bass as well as deliver the advantages above.

2. The output tubes (KT-120s) in the Ref 250s should last you 2000 hrs. The 6H30 tubes in your Ref 250s and in your Ref 5SE should last between 5000-10000 hrs.

3. If you retube them from ARC, I believe they will charge you $400 per matched quad. So $800 per Ref 250 amp or $1,600 for the mono pair. I think you can get the KT-120s for half that from reputable tube suppliers.

4. That is a tough one to answer as the Revels are a tough load. Will the Ref 250s drive them? Yes. Will it run out of steam when played very loud in dynamic passages, I don't know.

My guess is your Krells are probably a better match with your Salon 2s. If you can get to audition the Ref 250s with your Salon 2s that would be preferable. I would use very dynamic music and played loud to test the amps under extreme conditions and pay attention to whether the soundstage collapses, images start to smear or constrict in the middle of the stage, and obviously if the sound starts becoming harsh and distorted then the amps are clipping for sure and you want to ease off of the volume control.

For most moderately tough loads, the Ref 250s should have no problem. The Revel Salon 2s might give the monos a challenge. Not sure.

Hope this helps.

[Ritmo]

Cyril,

Nice assessment. I tend to agree with your opinion re: the ARC Ref 250 and the Salon 2s. As you know, I have these speakers. They are power hungry for sure.

I believe the Ref 250s would be a nice match assuming the system will not be used for heavy rock parties. Should be fine in a reasonably sized room with most music.

As always, a real test at home would be the right course of action. Specially, given the cost of the Ref 250s.

Thanks,
Mike

[zoraduntov]

very nice system