Upgrade Quandary: Ref 75SE vs Ref 150 (non SE)


I have a ARC Ref 75 (non SE). I’m trying to decide whether to upgrade it to the 75SE through ARC or sell it here and buy an ARC 150 (non SE). For the sake of this debate, let’s assume costs are equal (I know they are not).
Here’s what I’m after
1) More control in the bass
2) More control in upper midrange (same as bass note above)
3) Not deviate too far from the other elements of sound I have.

Room: 21deep x14wide x10high
Dedicated audio

Gear:
Wilson Audio Sasha (1)
Lumin T1 source
ARC Ref 3 pre
ARC Ref 75
Transparent Ultra g5 balanced ICs and speaker cables.
Bass traps in 2 front corners, 1st, 2nd reflection diffusers.

Thanks MUCH!
P.S. No I can’t audition either amp. in my system.
P.S.S. I’ve auditioned a couple solid state amps, they don’t do it for me. Much more bass (too much) and complete control was found, but they gave up too much in too many areas, like air around the instruments and voices and bloom that I love about tube power.


Ag insider logo xs@2xjo1mtb

Congrats! Your findings of what you feel your 75 lacked in comparison to the 150 will most defiantly change with your 75SE.

I have 75SE paired up with the REF6, marvelous combo :)  

@david_ten 
i don't know yet. The 75se arrived with some damage.  I've returned it to the store to have their tech look at it. The left channel wasn't working. I hope to have it back soon.  Hoping it's simple and doesn't require a refund.  When I get it back I'll have an update 
By the way, the arc sourced kt150/ it came with worked perfectly w my non SE so I need to return thetubestore tubes for another set - witch they have been very good about (cust serv). 
Ugg. First-world problems!!  😀
That's too bad. In your case, there was actual damage and something wasn't working...don't be hard on yourself. Hope it gets sorted out. I'm sure you'd rather not have to return the amp. All the best.

There's a lot of screaming and chest thumping across forum-land for much much much less and often insubstantial issues.