Alpinist (Ken) - how is your new system?

Congrats Ken! Great choice. The amps are the perfect match for the speakers!
 
MDP said:
Congrats Ken!!

Did you hear these amps when you did your audition?
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Yes, ARC CD-9 digital player, ARC Ref 6 preamp, Vandersteen M7-HPA mono amps, Vandersteen 7 MkII speakers with Audioquest loom of cables and Niagara power conditioner. In a word, incredible!!!

Best,
Ken
 
Mike said:
Congrats Ken! Great choice. The amps are the perfect match for the speakers!
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Thanks Mike! They really take the guess work out of the process. They certainly sound amazing together.

Best,
Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Mark,

I'm thinking ARC REF6 or REF10. Haven't decided yet.

Best,
Ken
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My two cents: go REF6. Performance is reportedly very very close. One box instead of two. Save the difference in funds for something else.


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Mike said:
My two cents: go REF6. Performance is reportedly very very close. One box instead of two. Save the difference in funds for something else.


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Hi Mike,

Tough decision for sure. The REF6 offers tremendous performance at a reasonable price. I've heard it several times with the Vandy 7's and I loved it every time. But for some reason, I just can't get past its looks...pretty silly, huh? Otherwise, I would have bought one already. The REF 10 is total eye candy in my opinion.

Ken
 
La Dolce Vita said:
Ken...go for the Ref 6. It'll be easier for you to sell when you're ready to move up to my Pass XS. [emoji6]


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Hi Andy,

You crack me up! But seriously, the Pass XS Pre is world class. But the Vandy 7's love tubes, so I'll probably be sticking with a tube preamp. I don't think I can go wrong with either the REF 6 or 10. I bet the Aesthetix Metis will be great too when it comes out in the Fall.

Best,
Ken
 
Ken...so glad you appreciate my sense of humor! No...you're absolutely right. Either the Ref 6 or Ref 10 would be great. Enjoy making the decision and congrats on a world class system! [emoji106]


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I for one think Ref 6 looks awesome. :) Considering LS28. Is it just me or LS28 looks exactly like Ref 6?
 
kzhtoo said:
I for one think Ref 6 looks awesome. :) Considering LS28. Is it just me or LS28 looks exactly like Ref 6?
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You know, a lot of folks love the retro look of the REF6. I showed a photo to a friend of mine and he said it looks awesome. I think I just don't like retro styling in general, not just on audio equipment but for anything. Maybe it will grow on me but it hasn't so far.

Ken
 
Hello Ken,

the Raidho was not the "right" way.....vandersteen is sure much better. (of course my taste)

The ARC is not so good as write. ARC is only a brand name and not performance!!! pre & ampli ARC is the last choice in your great system!

A Convergent preampli will be 1000% better. if you search tube pre look beyond.

Sorry but really I dont understand what you (and other members) see into the ARC product!
 
db33 said:
Hello Ken,

the Raidho was not the "right" way.....vandersteen is sure much better. (of course my taste)

The ARC is not so good as write. ARC is only a brand name and not performance!!! pre & ampli ARC is the last choice in your great system!

A Convergent preampli will be 1000% better. if you search tube pre look beyond.

Sorry but really I dont understand what you (and other members) see into the ARC product!
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We'll respectfully agree to disagree. The ARC REF6 preamp sounded absolutely awesome in both the Vandersteen M7-HPA mono amp/Vandersteen 7 MkII speaker system and the Aesthetix Atlas mono amp/Vandersteen 7 MkII speaker system I auditioned. The sound was neutral with tube finesse, dynamic and supremely musical. I haven't auditioned the REF10 preamp yet but I will soon.

Ken
 
There is a reason the Ref10 is the top of the heap... Even with the approaching sound quality of the 6, the separate power supply of the Ref10 yields refinement, nuance, and "oompf" that separates it from the 6. Not by stunning amounts, but in this hobby that small % delta is often what we yearn for if we know it is available.
 
Well stated... If one has the budget and the rack real estate the Ref 10 is surely a great choice. I opted for the Ref 6 as I only wanted one chassis and am very satisfied with its performance.


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Bobvin said:
There is a reason the Ref10 is the top of the heap... Even with the approaching sound quality of the 6, the separate power supply of the Ref10 yields refinement, nuance, and "oompf" that separates it from the 6. Not by stunning amounts, but in this hobby that small % delta is often what we yearn for if we know it is available.
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Bob,

I agree with all of your points. If the REF6 is 90% of the REF10, like most are saying, that makes the REF6 an incredible deal. However, it also makes getting the REF10 a 10% improvement, which is a pretty substantial improvement in the world of high-end audio. I found a store where I'm going to do a direct A/B comparison of the REF6 and REF10 next weekend. That will be the determining factor.

Best,
Ken
 
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