ARC Ref 750s

[Bobvin]

Lots of mention here of the Dag monos, and other high power SS amps, but I've not heard mention or comparison to ARC's big 750s. Not that I am considering such behemoths, but I am curious about them; they don't seem to be demoed @ shows either.

Obviously, the expense is limiting factor, but not so much compared to other gears in that level. Who has had chance to live with these, or even seriously audition?

 

[cmalak]

I think they are just not practical. With the number of tubes on board and ARC's preference not to utilize an auto bias circuit in their amps, the likelihood if premature tube failure constantly putting one of the mono amps out of commission all too frequently is probably sufficiently higher making them a pain in the ass. Plus the heat. They have not been reviewed yet I don't think and that also means not much buzz and fan fare.

 

[Mike]

I never lived with them, but I've heard them and the predecessor (610t). They are fabulous sounding, but the heat would be unbearable for any prolonged period of time and tube replacement would require a loan. Resale is also challenging. I remember a pair of 610t's on audiogon forever and going for 1/4 or less their original price.

Bob, I find 6 watts to be my average listening level with the Alexia's and if I'm really cranking it, 60 watts. On my Raidho's, average listening is 90 watts, with 170 watts being really cranking it. Obviously you need headroom above that, but amps like the REF 750's don't make any sense for 99.99999999% of the applications out there.

The REF75 is a gem and IMO, sounds as good, if not better than the bigger REF amps (I owned the REF 250's with REF 10 and really loved the combo - would love to have heard it on the Alexia's.)


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[Bobvin]

I think they are just not practical. With the number of tubes on board and ARC's preference not to utilize an auto bias circuit in their amps, the likelihood if premature tube failure constantly putting one of the mono amps out of commission all too frequently is probably sufficiently higher making them a pain in the ass. Plus the heat. They have not been reviewed yet I don't think and that also means not much buzz and fan fare.

I can understand this reasoning, for a blown tube on an ARC amp will frequently take a resister with it, requiring factory or auth. repair. Trivial repair, but the round trip is time and expense. Having the birthday cake of tubes on top certainly increases the odds. But... practicality, at these lofty heights, I'm not sure is highest consideration. On my lower floor music room, for example, the heat would be welcome in the winter, and not much issue in summer. Though Ref 750s are not a consideration for me, just curious. (I do believe they require a 30 amp circuit.)

 

[Petro85]

i drove about 10 pairs of speakers from real efficient to very inefficient, floorstanders to monitors(the best ones being the ones people told me not to try to dirive with tubes) on a 60w stereo tube amp for years. when i got the second and made them mono 120w amps it was not necessary and seemed a waste, one amp was sold off quickly. i just could never see the point of 750w, or even 250w tube amps.
but thats just from what ive heard or experienced. im not saying there is no good scenarios for them. just not any ive found.

 

[LL21]

On the one hand I have heard people talk about Bryson 28sst, Classe Omega and Siltech SAGAs with reverence for their effortless delivery...power. On the other hand, I only know person who owned the ARC 610T...Steve Williams aka Oneobgyn...and he went to Lamm 2.1s and then ML3s and said categorically he would NEVER look back.