ARC REF75SE vs REF150SE

[nc42acc]

Has anyone compared the two amps? Is the double in power worth the extra expense? Does anyone really watch the meters on the REF75SE?

[KeithR]

the meters also allow you to bias the amp easily on the fly. the 150 is a PITA...

[Jozua]

Hi

Double the power is always preferred- it gives you a much wider choice of speakers and much more dynamics

If you prefer small intimate recordings at low volume then lower power can work.

Take care

J

[Pallen]

I disagree. It very much depends on the speakers you're driving. REF 75SE has only 2 tubes per channel vs 4 in the REF150SE. If 75 watts is all you need, the greater simplicity offers sonic dividends.

[nc42acc]

It seems to drive the Von Schweikert VR5 Anni MKII just fine. Maybe just a keeper.

[Bobvin]

I disagree. It very much depends on the speakers you're driving. REF 75SE has only 2 tubes per channel vs 4 in the REF150SE. If 75 watts is all you need, the greater simplicity offers sonic dividends.

Both are great amps. I have driven Wilson Alexias very comfortably with a Ref75, and agree there a sonic dividends. With KT150 tubes the 75, IMHO, is ever so slightly sweeter with vocals, maybe adding more palpable 3 dimensionality to voices. Differences are slight, but if you can drive your speakers with the 75, I would be inclined to choose that amp over the 150.

[Jozua]

I disagree. It very much depends on the speakers you're driving. REF 75SE has only 2 tubes per channel vs 4 in the REF150SE. If 75 watts is all you need, the greater simplicity offers sonic dividends.

True, but you need skill in knowing what combinations to use.

In my experience many valve lovers err on the side of using under powered amplifiers to drive their speakers. I seen the same with local Pass F5 lovers.. of wanting to drive big speakers with a solid state amp with 300-400 VA transformer... and not being able to hear the deficiencies.

Take care

J

[a.wayne]

I disagree. It very much depends on the speakers you're driving. REF 75SE has only 2 tubes per channel vs 4 in the REF150SE. If 75 watts is all you need, the greater simplicity offers sonic dividends.

You would need really sensitive speakers to only need 75watts , in the 95-96db range is what I’m thinking ...

[Audiohippo]

I really miss my Ref75se it was a truely great Amplifier, powered my Sasha’s no problems.

[KeithR]

You would need really sensitive speakers to only need 75watts , in the 95-96db range is what I’m thinking ...

Pallen and I do have fairly efficient speakers - 92db but with 8ohm nominal, 7.5ohm minimum impedance. I rarely use more than 5 watts on the meter (which Ken Kessler's review says is pretty accurate)