Favorite ARC Amp: Do we have any preferences?

[Jozua]

I have the Ref 150SE and Ref 110.

Much to my surprise I tend to lean to the Ref 110 which I find incredibly musical. It might be "old" compared to the latest offerings but it still gives me endless pleasure.

For the moment the Ref 110 rules.

[Mike]

REF 160M in triode mode.

[Jozua]

REF 160M in triode mode.

Waiting for the Ref260M..... that should be a quantum leap...

[still-one]

Over the years the only one that has ever grabbed my attention is the new 160M. Not only did it sound pretty good those "meters" were pretty cool.

[Mr Peabody]

Let me preface by saying I've not heard every ARC amp out there. However, the only one that impressed me was the 160M's. Not that all other ARC auditions/listens were bad, just the 160M made that strong of an impression. Thinking back, I'm not sure I've heard any tube amp with that fast and strong transient on a crescendo. Yet, sound so sweet on piano and violin.

[sam5]

I recently heard 160M>>Ref 6>>Meridium 808 all connected to Focal Stella with Clear plus speaker cables and IC; so cool....

[Alpinist]

Reference 160M and Reference 250SE.

Ken

[Ritmo]

In addition to the new Ref 160Ms, the Ref 75SE and the GS150.

[bonzo]

I have not heard all, but owned the 110. I do not think it is a good amp at all. The 250 SE is fantastic. The G series are nice too. I have no idea of the M

[Jozua]

I have not heard all, but owned the 110. I do not think it is a good amp at all. The 250 SE is fantastic. The G series are nice too. I have no idea of the M

With the wrong speakers the 110 can sound awful. I had the same experience with Krells, a small speaker just throttles the amp capabilities.

One simply needs to take care in how you pair the equipment.

[Mercury3]

I have not heard all, but owned the 110. I do not think it is a good amp at all. The 250 SE is fantastic. The G series are nice too. I have no idea of the M

Hey everyone new here - interesting reading and thought I'd like to respond.

For 20 years I ran an Audio Research Classic 60 on my Acoustat 2+2's. I thought it was a great little amp but when I upgraded to a Reference 110 it was a world of difference. So I think with the right speakers the Ref. 110 is a very good power amp. I think the old electrostatics preferred tube amps.

Having said that I'm running Pass Labs on a pair of Klang Ton Nadas I built right now. I'm bi-amped with an Audio Research 300.2 on the low end.

The Audio Research 300.2 is maybe not so good. Good enough for subwoofers but not full range.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[Mercury3]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

Thanks!

Sorry for a bit off topic - The "best" has always been a bit above my price range.