1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 130231-73700

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
 
@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!!  😀
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
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.
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
642 posts
 
Sounds like you are obsessed with ref. How about Zesto Bia. Get out of this rut and experience life which is only a metaphor for music.Put the enjoyment back in music.
jo1mtb OP
54 posts
 
It continues.  
I had to return the Ref 75SE (by the way the customer service from The Music Room who I purchased it from here on A'gon is awesome).  It had at least a fried resistor when I received it. They made it right w/ prompt and full refund. 

jo1mtb OP
54 posts
 
So, with the returning of the Ref75SE, I'm considering a Ref 150 SE that is for sale here/now.  

Has anyone compared the Ref75 to the 150SE?  

When I A/B compared in my system the Ref75 and the non SE Ref150, I fell more for the sweetness and emotional performance engagement of the 75 over the authority and soundstage of the 150.  However, I felt/and do feel that the 75 is a bit bright (like a gold gilding) on the the high highs (like symbols in rock music).  The 150 seemed to provide better control of the highs (as well as the low band)

The 150 took those edges off and made more music more enjoyable, but I lost a few degrees of in-the-room magic that the 75 provides on more close, small-scale performances.  

So, I'm wondering if the Ref 150SE provides both...???

Let the debate begin (again).  

I value your thoughts and personal experience-based opinions.

Thanks in advance!  

More to discover