Audio Research 160M

[Mike]

Are you sure it's HiFi+ and NOT HiFi News....Ken does not write for HiFi+?

Yes. It’s HI-FI News. Someone else said Hi-Fi +.


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[sksouri1456]

Are you sure it's HiFi+ and NOT HiFi News....Ken does not write for HiFi+?

Sorry you are right


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[sksouri1456]

Sorry you are right


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[ashandger]

No worries, many thanks for clarifying.

[Bobvin]

Oh my... due to the kindness of a fellow shark I was able to read the review, and it has done absolutely nothing to reduce this 'new amp chubby' I've been walking around with since I placed my order. My wife is embarrassed for me.

[Jozua]

Bob V

Just relax, you will soon be a loyal well disciplined card carrying ARC forum member.

Needless to say, after 2 years I am still on bronze level and you just jump to Gold level..

Enjoy

J

[nc42acc]

Bob I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on the new REF160 when they arrive. I also have a REF75 driving a similar type speaker so this could throw me over the edge.

Oh my... due to the kindness of a fellow shark I was able to read the review, and it has done absolutely nothing to reduce this 'new amp chubby' I've been walking around with since I placed my order. My wife is embarrassed for me.

[gasherbaum]

Hi everyone,

there is a british audio store that has the HiFi News review of the 160M posted on the store's website. I tried to post a link but it wouldn't let me (i dont have enough posts yet). The name of the store is hifi lounge. If you google hifi lounge and audio research 160m you should be able to find it.

[joeinid]

https://www.google.com/amp/hifiloung...rence-160m/amp

Hi everyone,

there is a british audio store that has the HiFi News review of the 160M posted on the store's website. I tried to post a link but it wouldn't let me (i dont have enough posts yet). The name of the store is hifi lounge. If you google hifi lounge and audio research 160m you should be able to find it.

[Mike]

http://hifilounge.co.uk/image/attach...rint%20LOW.pdf

[Kingsrule]

Read Kessler's review, it was pretty good......

The 160's are a great refresh of the classic ARC design....

[Bobvin]

A question for Mike, having never owned mono-blocks, I am curious -- are they normally built as a pair, with the back panels mirror imaged, or do you receive two identical units? (has a slight impact on layout of power cords, speaker cables, interconnects)

[Alpinist]

A question for Mike, having never owned mono-blocks, I am curious -- are they normally built as a pair, with the back panels mirror imaged, or do you receive two identical units? (has a slight impact on layout of power cords, speaker cables, interconnects)

Hi Bob,

Monoblock amps are usually two identical units. It would cost extra to build a mirror imaged chassis vs. building them all exactly the same.

Best,
Ken

[Audio 1]

A question for Mike, having never owned mono-blocks, I am curious -- are they normally built as a pair, with the back panels mirror imaged, or do you receive two identical units? (has a slight impact on layout of power cords, speaker cables, interconnects)

Hi Bob,

My ARC 160’s are two identical units.

[Mike]

A question for Mike, having never owned mono-blocks, I am curious -- are they normally built as a pair, with the back panels mirror imaged, or do you receive two identical units? (has a slight impact on layout of power cords, speaker cables, interconnects)

Identical


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[Bobvin]

Thanks Ken & Buddy. Good to know.

Buddy, those amps must sound exceptionally good with the Avantgarde speakers. I'd only heard of the Avantgardes until last falls' RMAF where I got to hear some in person. I was a bit blown away how great a horn could sound as I think my last experience had to have been Klipsh Cornerhorns from back in the 70s.

Tell us more about how the 160s have changed your system vs. your previous amps.

And Ken... well, we know you're in sonic heaven with the MSB and your Vandies!

[Audio 1]

Thanks Ken & Buddy. Good to know.

Buddy, those amps must sound exceptionally good with the Avantgarde speakers. I'd only heard of the Avantgardes until last falls' RMAF where I got to hear some in person. I was a bit blown away how great a horn could sound as I think my last experience had to have been Klipsh Cornerhorns from back in the 70s.

Tell us more about how the 160s have changed your system vs. your previous amps.

And Ken... well, we know you're in sonic heaven with the MSB and your Vandies!

Bob the 160’s do sound quite spectacular with the Avantgarde’s!
At first the cost of the amps and the fact that I do not need the amount of power they offer made me consider other options. But I could not get them out of my head after seeing them at Axpona this year. Honestly it was my wife that convinced me that they were the right way to go. Now nothing would tempt me to change to something else.

In triode mode in my system the sound reproduced is, in my opinion, simply sublime.
The ARC 160’s really offer a top to bottom sound that has no drawbacks. With the AG’s you will hear any changes in the system. Not that anything I have used sounds bad, but when it is right the end result is much closer to “real” and “live” than most speakers can convey.
The interesting thing is that most people assume they are bright or midrange forward and they are neither, but proper equipment/cable pairing is important.

The ARC 160’s wring out an even greater level of emotional connection and believability from everything I have listened to since owning them. Instruments are reproduced with placement and space in the soundstage that is quite amazing while really bringing out the texture and body of instruments and vocals. In my system the bass drivers are internally amplified, so the ARC’s are only feeding signal to the amp input. Also with 107 db sensitivity the output meters are usually quite sedentary!

Also worth mentioning that I have never heard Avantgarde’s sound great at a US audio show, but about 5 minutes at Mike’s and it was a forgone conclusion for me. As soon as they were connected in my room I knew there was no going back and the Ref. 160’s really make me love them even more.

[Mike]

[Audio 1]

No way ..... Awesome!!

[hkval]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2018...85e2aabca1.jpg

Only Rembrandt (or Nikon) could capture the beauty of that room. I am so tempted by the l60M but I love my Pass XA100.5's. It is a good dilemma. The sound in Mike's or Buddy's room is absolutely captivating.
HK

[Bobvin]

Oh my goodness! What a stunning image—more importantly Mike, what did you play first after adding those beauties? And did you melt into your chair, eyes rolled back, in sonic bliss?

[Mike]

Oh my goodness! What a stunning image—more importantly Mike, what did you play first after adding those beauties? And did you melt into your chair, eyes rolled back, in sonic bliss?

I played Kenny Loggins Live at the Redwood. And yes, it was sonic bliss. I was noting the incredible separation, tight bass control, gorgeous midrange and 3D, all while still being dynamic.

[KeithR]

I played Kenny Loggins Live at the Redwood. And yes, it was sonic bliss. I was noting the incredible separation, tight bass control, gorgeous midrange and 3D, all while still being dynamic.

Kenny Loggins!

Arc 160M danger zone baby.

[rrwmd]

I remember sitting right there...but not with ARC gear. Man, I'd love to hear that combo!

[Audio 1]

Enjoying the ARC 160’s today!

[pdub]

Buddy
Any update from ARC on dealing with that loud start-up pop you mentioned in another thread?
(Great color on those horns.)
Parker

[Audio 1]

Buddy
Any update from ARC on dealing with that loud start-up pop you mentioned in another thread?
(Great color on those horns.)
Parker

Yes ..... the issue has been resolved and thank you for reminding me!
Both my amps and Mike’s exhibited a pop through the speakers when turing them off (in triode mode only).
Mike communicated the findings with ARC and they quickly deployed a solution.
They sent him a small box that when plugged into a circuit board internally combined with a power sequence applied an update that eliminated the issue.

All works perfectly now and there are no pops to be heard. It also should be noted that this only is revealed on very high sensitivity speakers.

[Mike]

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[pdub]

Excellent.

Respectable customer service.

[Bobvin]

Buddy, I see you are a covers “on” kind of guy (Mike too)... any interest in letting them breathe. With covers on, what setting do you use for the fan, and can you hear it? (After seeing GS150 I had told my wife the next ARC Ref upgrades should have a visible tubeset, exposed like VS115. Now the 160s are out, I’m eager see those big football kt150s in all their glory.)

Love your speakers, and I’m not really all that fond of blue in most instances, but your’s look amazing.

[pdub]

Any speaker hiss with the AG/ARC combo when there's no music, and if so how far away are you when you hear it?

[Mike]

Any speaker hiss with the AG/ARC combo when there's no music, and if so how far away are you when you hear it?

Nada. None. Zippo out of the midrange horn. Just tested for you as I’m listening right now. Stuck my ear right next to the tweeter horn and very faint tube rush is noticeable at less than 6 inches. Over 6 inches and you can’t hear it.


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[pdub]

Thanks for checking.

[Mike]

What power cables have you guys tried on the 160M’s?

Are you plugging them into a conditioner or straight into the wall?

[Audio 1]

When I first put the ARC 160 mono’s into my system they were plugged directly into a 20a dedicated circuit via Transparent XL power cables.
Recently I added an Audioquest Niagara 5000 power conditioner. It is connected to the wall with an Audioquest Hurricane HC power cable. The Transparent XL power cables are now plugged into 1 of the high current outlets banks on the Niagara 5000. The other high current duplex powers each woofer amplifier on my Avantgarde Duo XD speakers.

[Bobvin]

When my 160s finally arrive, I plan to use a Shunyata Denali 2000t, with a pair of Analog Alpha cables. The Denali will be connected to a dedicated 20 amp circuit with a Sigma analog cable. Of course, I’ll ultimately listen without the Denali inline, but it has been an improvement with my Ref75.

[Audiohippo]

Wow! Simply amazing system you have there Mike! WOW!!!

[Mike]

Wow! Simply amazing system you have there Mike! WOW!!!

Thank you!! I’m loving it. So musical, dynamic and engaging.


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[Bobvin]

Mike, Buddy, how has break-in been with the 160s? Any anomalies, or mostly linear? Have you noticed consistent improvement -- because out-of-the-box they are pretty f_ing amazing!

[Audio 1]

Mike, Buddy, how has break-in been with the 160s? Any anomalies, or mostly linear? Have you noticed consistent improvement -- because out-of-the-box they are pretty f_ing amazing!

Bob mine have been mostly linear and also sounded great out of the box.
Unlike many other products the 160’s have not revealed a lot of fluctuation over time.

[Mike]

Mike, Buddy, how has break-in been with the 160s? Any anomalies, or mostly linear? Have you noticed consistent improvement -- because out-of-the-box they are pretty f_ing amazing!

The break in is much more subtle with the 160’s. Great out of the box and getting better. Admittedly, I haven’t tried them much in Ultralinear mode. Triode mode is just so delicious. I still have the 160’s at home (selfishly). They’re wonderful in Triode mode on the AG’s. But they will have to go back to the store (one day).

[mep]

When my 160s finally arrive, I plan to use a Shunyata Denali 2000t, with a pair of Analog Alpha cables. The Denali will be connected to a dedicated 20 amp circuit with a Sigma analog cable. Of course, I’ll ultimately listen without the Denali inline, but it has been an improvement with my Ref75.

Bob-How did the sound improve from plugging your Ref 75 straight into the wall?

[Paul]

Yes ..... the issue has been resolved and thank you for reminding me!
Both my amps and Mike’s exhibited a pop through the speakers when turing them off (in triode mode only).
Mike communicated the findings with ARC and they quickly deployed a solution.
They sent him a small box that when plugged into a circuit board internally combined with a power sequence applied an update that eliminated the issue.

All works perfectly now and there are no pops to be heard. It also should be noted that this only is revealed on very high sensitivity speakers.

How loud is loud? Is will hurt your speakers? coz I do have a pop as well but not too loud

[Mike]

How loud is loud? Is will hurt your speakers? coz I do have a pop as well but not too loud

Not loud and not relevant anymore. All amps in the field have been fixed and all new ones shipping obviously have the fix.


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[Bobvin]

Bob-How did the sound improve from plugging your Ref 75 straight into the wall?

Initially I didn't hear a dramatic improvement—nothing like when I put the Triton v3 in my system. In my case the Denali improvements were much more subtle, less noise just seemed perhaps to bring the music more into focus. When I had my audio buddies over they all seemed to think my system was sounding better than it ever had.

Just wait until they hear the 160Ms!

[mep]

Initially I didn't hear a dramatic improvement—nothing like when I put the Triton v3 in my system. In my case the Denali improvements were much more subtle, less noise just seemed perhaps to bring the music more into focus. When I had my audio buddies over they all seemed to think my system was sounding better than it ever had.

Just wait until they hear the 160Ms!

Thanks Bob.

[Bobvin]

OK, I've had a couple nights of listening now with the 160s... got 'em on StillPoints (like I had the Ref75) and a couple new amps stands from Core Audio. Each listening session is just fantastic. I am a huge fan of the Ref75, it is an amp that punches way, way above its weight class, and I have had many, many nights of sonic bliss with that amp -- many times thinking this is good enough, it'll take huge money to get maybe a bit more from my system. Enter the REF 160M mono-blocks. Granted, the price delta between them and the little REF75 isn't trivial, but I can honestly say they are better in every way, which is to say ARC has produced one of the finest amps I've ever heard in the 160s.

Tonally the 160s are a touch richer, with substantially better bass in terms of depth, weight, and resolution. Even my wife says there is much more space between instruments, they are more clearly defined in the soundstage. Depth of soundstage is improved, with vastly improved three-dimensionality (layering). I can't say the top end is more extended as my hearing way up high isn't what it once was, but there is clearly more resolution.

I am smitten. Usually the audio boner subsides once the new gear is in place, but these new amps are like starting an affair with a supermodel, I keep coming back for more. (Not that I have ever had an affair with a supermodel, but it sounds good, right?)

I feel like the benefits of my acoustic remodel are allowing me to fully experience just how great these new amps are. As an example, I have heard Jennifer Warnes "Way Down Deep" many times, on many systems. The Dag SS amps with Alexias really plumbed the depths with this song, and showed off the low bass cababilities of the Alexias, but I had never heard the Dag amps in my room. With the 160s I am hearing all that I ever heard with the Dags, and I'll argue perhaps a bit more, but that could easily be a result of the room. Then there is the whole triode mode thing... I am just tinkering with this and on ballads or, for example, female jazz vocalists the "in the room" illusion is stunning.

I wish y'all could stop by for a listen.

[Ritmo]

Great news Bob! The 160s are terrific amps and are a great match for the Alexias. Enjoy the music!

[Mr Peabody]

I feel...... something, justified, validated, proud, whatever, LOL I knew from my listen at Axpona the 160M was something special. There were a few threads here on the 160M's and I made some claims. I even declared the Axpona set up with the 160M's my best of show. I know at leas 3 members who have the 160M's and seem to love them. I just think it's cool I nailed the 160M's and to have those who agree to the extent to vote with the pocket book.

[KeithR]

Bob-How did the sound improve from plugging your Ref 75 straight into the wall?

Mark- I did this exercise with my Ref 75SE and Torus. Through the Torus sounded a little cleaner - not waves of difference, mind you.