ARC Ref 10 vs CJ GAT(2) ?

Most pleased for you Joe :D I would heartily recommend a couple of tweeks to your factory Ref10, perhaps when you have a few more hours on the clock.

Try tube rolling the 6550 Sovtek regulators with a pair of tested and matched GE6550A's as well as swapping out the Sovtek 6h30's for genuine pre 1995 Reflector DR's, expensive but will elevate your 10 to another level. I would also highly recommend that you replace the rear chassis mounted mains current rail fuse with an SR Blue or Audio Magic Beeswax Reference.

I imagine that you are using a good quality aftermarket power cable already, the ARC cable is not bad but the 10 does respond well to a substitute.
 
Thank you so much. I’m definitely starting to think about a few tweaks and I think the 6550 is a great way to start. I probably should use a “better” power cable. I’m not sure if I want to squeeze out a possible $4K+ for the 6H30 but I believe in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a tremendous cost, ugh :(
 
I’ve always wanted to try Pete’s cables. This is probably a good time to reach out.
 
joeinid said:
I’ve always wanted to try Pete’s cables. This is probably a good time to reach out.
Click to expand...

Joe...certainly try the Triode cabling and see what you think. I can say from personal experience, Shunyata power cables as well as their power conditioners work well with ARC as well. But no substitute for trying out in your system to make up your own mind.
 
Joe, I you don't plan on going full monty I would recommend at least the couple of DR's, adjacent to the 6550's in the power supply, and the current rail fuse.
 
Hi Joe


I am happy for you now you have one of the best preamp right now either SS or Tube so enjoy yourself and I have two recommend for your power cable.
Audio Sensibility Signature Power Cable V2 or Allnic ZL-5000 power cable. They are unknown for Hi-end cable segment but check
it out. You can find 6mmons review for whole ZL cable loops and I own Allnic top of line IC and SI myself and Audio Sensibility statement power cable and
Power Distribution system I compared to higher price point still like them better.
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A good power cord would be first thing in my view. Certainly a much lower level then yours, but a nice power cord made a big improvement in my ARC pre. I am using a Richard Gray that I got from a buddy when he replaced it with some super exotic one on his Ref 10 Phono Stage.
 
The Ref 10 is simply insanely awesome. I absolutely LOVE it so much!
 
Nice Joe... I am so happy that you seem to have found "the one"! I would love a Ref 10, but honestly, in my system I probably would not appreciate the differences :)... I do love my ARC pre-amp. It brings me great joy... it makes me very happy to bring you into the ARC fold :D...
 
Thank you Randy. I guarantee the Ref 10 will elevate ANY system. I was not a fan until now.
 
Joe,

Did you have an opportunity to listen to the Dag preamp in your system with the new mono's?
 
So Joe are you doing anything different to prolong the tube change cycle? I know you are a heavy user and that’s always been your biggest concern.
 
IAmRael said:
Joe,

Did you have an opportunity to listen to the Dag preamp in your system with the new mono's?
Click to expand...

As much as I liked the original Dag preamp, I don't think I could go back. My Ref 10 is stunning.

Dr Tone said:
So Joe are you doing anything different to prolong the tube change cycle? I know you are a heavy user and that’s always been your biggest concern.
Click to expand...

No, not really. I am not going worry. I am going to use it and when 4K hours clicks by in 10-12 months or if I hear a degradation in sound, I will change the tubes. The Ref 10 is simply that wonderful. It's worth every minute and totally unlike the Ref 6 I had previously.

I think my Ref 10 is THE ABSOLUTE BEST PREAMP THAT I'VE EVER HEARD OR OWNED.

It is getting better all the time. I have about 250 hours and full break in is about 600-700 hours. Big, full, 3D, smooth, truthful, open, vocals and instruments right in the room with you. Absolutely wonderful. I am serious. I really love it
 
Thanks...BTW, if you have the opportunity to borrow a pair of AQ Hurricanes from Mike, I would give them a good listen on the mono's.
 
joeinid said:
As much as I liked the original Dag preamp, I don't think I could go back. My Ref 10 is stunning.



No, not really. I am not going worry. I am going to use it and when 4K hours clicks by in 10-12 months or if I hear a degradation in sound, I will change the tubes. The Ref 10 is simply that wonderful. It's worth every minute and totally unlike the Ref 6 I had previously.

I think my Ref 10 is THE ABSOLUTE BEST PREAMP THAT I'VE EVER HEARD OR OWNED.

It is getting better all the time. I have about 250 hours and full break in is about 600-700 hours. Big, full, 3D, smooth, truthful, open, vocals and instruments right in the room with you. Absolutely wonderful. I am serious. I really love it
Click to expand...


I am glad you mentioned that you now like the Ref 10 over the Dag preamp. I never took the Dag preamp home to swap out. I have always preferred using a tube preamp with solid state amps. After using ARC tube preamps in three different systems I know what to expect. Your Ref 10 is going to change again and open up even more Joe. I did not believe it would as I thought it was done around 500 hours, then suddenly BOOM it changed again!
 
Awesome, I cannot wait. I still can’t believe how good it sounds.
 
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