audio research REF 150

I'm with Cmalak. Pinkus must have an ax to grind as his comment contributed nothing to the op's question. Furthermore, the improvements in the last few iterations of ARC ref amps and preamps have been quite significant and all for the better.

@Cmalak - interesting point. In some ways, ARC seems a company that is clinging to its mom-and-pop identity even though its an international company.

Whatever, though. They make beautiful products that know how to make music be as lifelike as possible

Finally took the leap. Picked up a preowned Ref 150 a few days ago. I'll spare the Forum with the usual audiophile-babble in describing the Ref 150. Suffice to say that IMO the comment in ARC's sales literature that the Ref 150 "dominates" one's speakers is credible. As good as my VS-115 is, and it IS a fine amp, the Ref 150 IS in another league. As Tony the Tiger used to say, "it's great!!!"

Bruce

P.S. Spoke to Kal about a Ref 150 tech issue yesterday. During the call we touched on how the Ref 150 compared to the VS-115. I commented that while the Ref 150 is a great amp, the VS-115 is also a fine amp at its price point. Kal agreed and mentioned that ARC crammed as much technology and high grade parts as the VS-115 chassis could hold. That's an fyi for anyone looking to break into trying a high-end tube amp at a relatively affordable price. bif

Congrats Bruce.
Good luck with the Ref 150-----a real keeper.

Randy

I went to a local dealer recently and had the chance to compare the new VSI75 integrated, Reference 75 and reference 110 with KT120 valves. I was hoping to get away with an integrated instead of the Reference 75, as the former is said to have similar circuitry to the ref 75.

All were played through Wilson Duete speakers. There was a very clear difference in sound quality, with marked improvements at each point.

The VSI 75 was clearly inferior to the others, in detail, soundstage, it was grainy and muddy compared with the others.

Next was the 110 with KT120 valves and much closer to it was the Reference 75, which was a clear though not night and day improvement, over the older, but more expensive model. I have the Ref 75 on order.