ARC Ref 250's on Revel Studio2's ? ....

[Ritmo]

Interesting rumors Mike. I personally can see Kevin and the technical team taking an evolutionary step to the Salons. I don't think "revolutionary" is needed. And, if executed correctly, bringing the price up.

I frankly don't see the ROI on speakers at the $100K+ range - from a business perspective. There will always be buyers but the customer universe is greatly reduced.

Interestingly, the revamped Performa series (3) is perhaps much more competitive than the Performa 2s from a price point perspective and supposedly a much better line.

My hope is that if there is an Ultima 3 line, that they keep the sound characteristics (seamless, soundstage, dynamics) of the current line and improve efficiency. In others words, improve but don't change the sound. And, yes, I'm willing to pay some more. But not 3 or 4 times more.

Mike

 

[Mike]

Interesting rumors Mike. I personally can see Kevin and the technical team taking an evolutionary step to the Salons. I don't think "revolutionary" is needed. And, if executed correctly, bringing the price up.

I frankly don't see the ROI on speakers at the $100K+ range - from a business perspective. There will always be buyers but the customer universe is greatly reduced.

Interestingly, the revamped Performa series (3) is perhaps much more competitive than the Performa 2s from a price point perspective and supposedly a much better line.

My hope is that if there is an Ultima 3 line, that they keep the sound characteristics (seamless, soundstage, dynamics) of the current line and improve efficiency. In others words, improve but don't change the sound. And, yes, I'm willing to pay some more. But not 3 or 4 times more.

Mike

Me too. Half-Jokingly, I did tell Kevin to hire an Italian designer for the cabinet design for his next speaker!

 

[Petro85]

thank you that was very enlightening to say the least. i thought amps were a hard purchase , speakers might kill me.lol.
i was speaking to jeff yesterday about the joseph perspectives, which he mentioned never go below 4 ohms making it a great match for tube amps. but there is so little info or reviews on them out there. i dont think my ear is good enough to decipher the differences if they are small
i always need the reassurance of someone who has a good ear, and will write about it.

i always loved the reviews mike fremer writes, been a stereophile subscriber since the 90's and i always trusted his oppinion(but not sure i trust all th other guys at stereophile, a couple but not all). think about it, i have a hovland, i want a steelhead, im leaning toward pulsars, all things he has raved about.
i also trust your oppinion mike but you are on price level that i cant ever get to. so i try to pick your brain about things youve owned in the past that i could pick up used. not just you many others around here as well.
and i thank you for that. you should write reviews!!!!

 

[Mike]

thank you that was very enlightening to say the least. i thought amps were a hard purchase , speakers might kill me.lol.
i was speaking to jeff yesterday about the joseph perspectives, which he mentioned never go below 4 ohms making it a great match for tube amps. but there is so little info or reviews on them out there. i dont think my ear is good enough to decipher the differences if they are small
i always need the reassurance of someone who has a good ear, and will write about it.

i always loved the reviews mike fremer writes, been a stereophile subscriber since the 90's and i always trusted his oppinion(but not sure i trust all th other guys at stereophile, a couple but not all). think about it, i have a hovland, i want a steelhead, im leaning toward pulsars, all things he has raved about.
i also trust your oppinion mike but you are on price level that i cant ever get to. so i try to pick your brain about things youve owned in the past that i could pick up used. not just you many others around here as well.
and i thank you for that. you should write reviews!!!!

Thanks Steve. Maybe one day. You tell me your budget - and I will give you some ideas....and the smart folks here - will give you even more!

 

[MDP]

I'm dying to hear the REF 250's on my Salon 2's !!!!

:exciting:

I'd drive to Rich's house if he lived close enough !!!!!

 

[MDP]

Mark and Mike,


It's been a while since I listened to these amps so I am just going by my memory.

Ayre M-XR
An amp that I really wanted to like but it just wasn't compatible with the Salon 2s. It had fantastic highs, mids and great soundstage but it just didn't have it in the low end. The Salon sounded like only two of the woofers were Working. I really like the Ayre K-XR preamp. I still think about getting one.

Pass X250.5
Great vocal, very sweet and smooth, but sounded a bit on the warm side. It sounded more tube like. It was paired with a Pass XP-10. It was not my cup of tea.

Krell FPB450MCX

The 450 could not match the refined sound of the M-XR or REF 250 amps but when paired with the REF 5SE, it was pretty darn good. None of these amps could match the bass of a Krell, not even the REF 250s. I think these are really great amps, especially at used price.

Krell Evolution 403E

My current amp for HT and music. Typical unmatched Krell bass but with a more refined mids and highs. The vocal is smoother than the 450 and the treble is more natural. The best Krell I have heard and I have owned many Krell amps. Someday I may get a pair of the 600E.
So how does it compare to the REF 250 ? The 250s have a more 3D like imaging and there is more air around musical notes. It just pulls you into the music a bit more especially with vocals. The Krell has better dynamics and of course low end. I listen to the Krell on most days and the Ref 250s on weekends.

As for rock music with the REF 250, I can't comment on it since I listen to mostly jazz, vocal and classical. I have run the REF 5SE volume to about 55 which is fairly loud for me and the 250s didn't have any problems. I didn't sense any dynamic constriction and it still had good bass control. I don't think I have ever seen the meters go pass half way. I have no doubt that the Ref 250 can drive the Salon 2 with ease.

Rich

Thanks Rich, I think we lost some posts in the provider change.

 

[New guy]

Mark,

I am in the Bay Area so it might be a pretty long drive. If you are in the area, you are most welcome to demo my system.

Rich

 

[MDP]

Thanks Rich !!