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ARC Ref phono 2 vs ASR Basis Excl 2010

Anyone have experience with the ARC reference phono 2 yet? It's quite new... I kind of don't want to be the first to dive in. I read the JV review but of course he has nothing but glamourous things to say about all ARC products. I do like the functionality of the Ref Phono 2... seems like it would be easy to work with as everything can be done via the remote control.

Lots of people here seems to love the ASR. I don't think I can go wrong with it at least.

I have RFI problems currently (could be caused by cabling) so one requirement is it must be good at rejecting interference.
changster
lewm
6,770 posts
 
If RFI is getting in on your cables, no downstream or upstream piece of electronics is going to get it out of your signal. The noise will be translated into distortions more or less by different kinds of gear, but it won't be eliminated.
changster OP
40 posts
 
It's pretty amazing you are willing to modify such a new machine. I have no desire to go that route. A reference product should be just that - the best possible right out of the box. That's especially true since the reference 2 phono is such a new model. But I do hope you enjoy it!

Anyway I went ahead and purchased the Basis Exclusive 2010 model. I'll wait for the Ortofon A90 to arrive first before installing it. We'll see how it works out.
stickman451
529 posts
 
I recently tried the Ref Phono 2 and I felt that it bettered my Hovland HP-100's internal phono in every way; I loved it! Big money however...
scousepasty
106 posts
 
Stickman, agree not cheap, especially when I add shipping to & fro across the pond to GNS. But hey, to me performances sounded better than the Ypsilon VPS 100 Phono stage that I tried recently and cost less.
stickman451
529 posts
 
Interesting that you liked the AR Ref phono 2 better than the Ypsilon. I believe that Michael Fremer commented that he liked the Ypsilon much better than the AR that he heard at this year's CES; I guess everyone is different...

I liked the AR Ref Phono quite a bit; most powerful sound I have ever heard come out of my KHorns; powerful, with GRUNT, but with all the beauty, detail, transparency, and realism I am looking for...now, if I just had $12k....
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