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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.


jo1mtb
jo1mtb OP
54 posts
 
Checking back in on this.  
I listened to the Ref 150 for quite a while. Just sold it on here. It is a VERY nice amp, but to me the sweetness of the 75 it can't match.  
It beats the 75 in soundstage depth, grip, venue/ambiance, and pace. But to my ears the 75 beats it nearly everywhere else; timbre, sweetness, finer grain, acoustic bellows tube sound, emotional connection to the artist(s) - and I never feel like I'm missing the extra watts.  
Also, I just purchased a 75SE.  Should be here tomorrow.  My 75 will be going up for sale here.  
Thanks all.

david_ten
2,509 posts
 
Congratulations! The circle is complete!

Bliss, tomorrow on? 
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 

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
2,509 posts
 
@jo1mtb  How's it working out?
jo1mtb OP
54 posts
 
@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!!  😀
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