ARC Ref 6 Review - PF (mep)

Dafos said:
You really can't compare the two. The DS pre is a non reference line stage with a built in DAC. The Ref 6 is a state of the art Reference level line stage that is just a notch below the top of the line two chassis ref 10. And the ref 6 being the latest design from audio research, i wouldn't be surprised if at less than half the cost of the Ref 10 its performance would be very competitive. I use the Ref Anniversary into a d'agostino stereo power amp that drives a slightly tweaked Raidho D3.
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Actually, the GsPre has a built-in phono section. It doesn't appear to be in the same league as the Ref 6. The Ref series of line stages has had a continuous improvement path since the Ref 1 hit the market in 1995.
 
I've heard quite a bit of ARC gear over the years and really liked it but nothing ever blew me away. That is, until I heard the REF 6 preamp. I can't believe a preamp can sound that great at $14K. Not chicken feed by any means but when you consider the price of today's high-end gear, it is an incredible value. Can't say I've heard a preamp that was substantially better than the REF 6 and I've heard a few.

Ken
 
Alpinist said:
I've heard quite a bit of ARC gear over the years and really liked it but nothing ever blew me away. That is, until I heard the REF 6 preamp. I can't believe a preamp can sound that great at $14K. Not chicken feed by any means but when you consider the price of today's high-end gear, it is an incredible value. Can't say I've heard a preamp that was substantially better than the REF 6 and I've heard a few.

Ken
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uh oh...I know what that means! GS150 + REF6 in your future? ;)
 
Mmm, I wonder how it compares to my Ref Anniverasry which I never considered replacing thinking its ARC's last twin chassis design that retains the iconic ARC industrial design.
 
Hi , I have had both GSPre and now REF6 both with GS150 and Wilson Sasha2; GS Pre although a good one but not extraordinary and not even better than REF5 SE but REF6 is absolutely better pre and truly is in Ref class; far better than GSpre. Sounds amazing. I strongly recommend it to over REF5SE and GSPre. Once you hear it, can't go back.
 
Hi , I have had both GSPre and now REF6 both with GS150 and Wilson Sasha2; GS Pre although a good one but not extraordinary and not even better than REF5 SE but REF6 is absolutely better pre and truly is in Ref class; far better than GSpre. Sounds amazing. I strongly recommend it to over REF5SE and GSPre. Once you hear it, can't go back.
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Hello Ali,
I had the REF5se and I have listen the REF6.....for me the REF6 is not so "much better" as the REF5se.....is really fas the same pre!!! only a new case but inside is bot so dufferent and much more important he sound like a REF5e plus a little 5%......
Sure now if I purchase a ARC I go with a REF6 but not so impressive....
 
db33 said:
Hello Ali,
I had the REF5se and I have listen the REF6.....for me the REF6 is not so "much better" as the REF5se.....is really fas the same pre!!! only a new case but inside is bot so dufferent and much more important he sound like a REF5e plus a little 5%......
Sure now if I purchase a ARC I go with a REF6 but not so impressive....
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I couldn't disagree with you more. Not only is the outside different, the inside (meaning the circuit) where it counts is different.
 
the inside (meaning the circuit) where it counts is different.
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Yes inside is different.....different designed but the sound is the sane or not so much different! (imho)

I read you use a ARC ampli and the new REF6 sound very different for you, for your combo but I use ss ampli and the different is really little!

Sorry but ARC in the last years have "only" producet new look and "live/sells" with the success achieved by units produced in the past.

Octave, Convergent as tube products are better for me.
 
db33 said:
Yes inside is different.....different designed but the sound is the sane or not so much different! (imho)

I read you use a ARC ampli and the new REF6 sound very different for you, for your combo but I use ss ampli and the different is really little!

Sorry but ARC in the last years have "only" producet new look and "live/sells" with the success achieved by units produced in the past.

Octave, Convergent as tube products are better for me.
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We just have to agree to disagree. As you pointed out, maybe the SS amplifier you are using is causing the sound to be about the same for you with the Ref 6 in your system. Since you don't list the gear in your system, I have no idea what amp you are using and whether it's even a good match for the Ref 6. If you can tell little to no difference with the Ref 6 in your system vs. the Ref 5SE, it's not because real differences don't exist. And to further clarify, the Ref 6 is completely different on the outside and the inside compared to the Ref 5SE. I explained all of the differences in my review.
 
Yes, the Ref6 is a HUGE step up from the 5se. I had a 3, 5, 5se, and now 6. The 5 to 5se was the largest step previously, but the step from 5se to 6 is much bigger. I loved my 5se (I sold one, and missed it enough to buy another), but the 6 is in another league. I really don't like hyperbole, but this thing is amazing... I had no idea there was so much information left to be revealed. And it is massively more musical. The 5se and previous pre's could sound a bit clinical compared to some preamps. Not the 6! It sings.
 
Guitardave said:
Yes, the Ref6 is a HUGE step up from the 5se. I had a 3, 5, 5se, and now 6. The 5 to 5se was the largest step previously, but the step from 5se to 6 is much bigger. I loved my 5se (I sold one, and missed it enough to buy another), but the 6 is in another league. I really don't like hyperbole, but this thing is amazing... I had no idea there was so much information left to be revealed. And it is massively more musical. The 5se and previous pre's could sound a bit clinical compared to some preamps. Not the 6! It sings.
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Hi Dave,

I totally agree with your post. I heard the Ref6 and Ref5se extensively in the same system: ARC CD6, Aesthetix Atlas Signature monoblocks and Vandersteen Model 7. The Ref6 was significantly better than the Ref5se across the board. More detail and dimension, greater dynamics and musicality. The Ref6 compares very favorably to the three preamps I've owned: Cary SLP-05, Pass XP-30 and Soulution 520. Of course, a different sonic signature than these preamps but just as enjoyable.

Ken
 
Hello,

the Ref5se and the Ref6 are not sooo different in SQ. IMHO.

Ken you had the Xp30 Pass and is a bery step up vs the Xp20 but the ARC 5se and the "new" Ref6 FOR ME is not so mch better vs the Ref5se.
sorry but this is my opinion.


a great tube preampli, or a callenge vs the ARC is the Nat or a ctave Hp700->this one is a lot better vs the REF6!

with SS amplifier sure a tube pre give you "more" hair, but is a personal taste.-> i use pass mono 100.8 -> the Xp30 is my first choice than a HP700, Nat symmetrical (with a killer price/performance!!!) , than a REF6.


if you have a full ARC system -> ref250 plus REf6 this lsat can give you more SQ vs the REF5se but at "single" is not so "huge better"!!


of course if I go purchase a ARC pre the REF6 is the fisrt one! a Ref5se "demo, with 100 hr.." at the half (ca.) price from the Ref5se will be not my choice.....
 
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