Audio Research 160M

Mike said:
0909aefcbf3a7b06e9c1ba85e2aabca1.jpg
Click to expand...

Oh my goodness! What a stunning image—more importantly Mike, what did you play first after adding those beauties? And did you melt into your chair, eyes rolled back, in sonic bliss?
 
Bobvin said:
Oh my goodness! What a stunning image—more importantly Mike, what did you play first after adding those beauties? And did you melt into your chair, eyes rolled back, in sonic bliss?
Click to expand...

I played Kenny Loggins Live at the Redwood. And yes, it was sonic bliss. I was noting the incredible separation, tight bass control, gorgeous midrange and 3D, all while still being dynamic.
 
Mike said:
I played Kenny Loggins Live at the Redwood. And yes, it was sonic bliss. I was noting the incredible separation, tight bass control, gorgeous midrange and 3D, all while still being dynamic.
Click to expand...

Kenny Loggins!

Arc 160M danger zone baby.
 
Enjoying the ARC 160’s today!

attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • 35A8D45B-6835-4F78-8677-D87A4082312A.jpeg
    35A8D45B-6835-4F78-8677-D87A4082312A.jpeg
    1.7 MB · Views: 115
  • 35A8D45B-6835-4F78-8677-D87A4082312A.jpg
    35A8D45B-6835-4F78-8677-D87A4082312A.jpg
    1.8 MB · Views: 104
Last edited by a moderator:
Buddy
Any update from ARC on dealing with that loud start-up pop you mentioned in another thread?
(Great color on those horns.)
Parker
 
pdub said:
Buddy
Any update from ARC on dealing with that loud start-up pop you mentioned in another thread?
(Great color on those horns.)
Parker
Click to expand...

Yes ..... the issue has been resolved and thank you for reminding me!
Both my amps and Mike’s exhibited a pop through the speakers when turing them off (in triode mode only).
Mike communicated the findings with ARC and they quickly deployed a solution.
They sent him a small box that when plugged into a circuit board internally combined with a power sequence applied an update that eliminated the issue.

All works perfectly now and there are no pops to be heard. It also should be noted that this only is revealed on very high sensitivity speakers.
 
Buddy, I see you are a covers “on” kind of guy (Mike too)... any interest in letting them breathe. With covers on, what setting do you use for the fan, and can you hear it? (After seeing GS150 I had told my wife the next ARC Ref upgrades should have a visible tubeset, exposed like VS115. Now the 160s are out, I’m eager see those big football kt150s in all their glory.)

Love your speakers, and I’m not really all that fond of blue in most instances, but your’s look amazing.
 
Any speaker hiss with the AG/ARC combo when there's no music, and if so how far away are you when you hear it?
 
pdub said:
Any speaker hiss with the AG/ARC combo when there's no music, and if so how far away are you when you hear it?
Click to expand...

Nada. None. Zippo out of the midrange horn. Just tested for you as I’m listening right now. Stuck my ear right next to the tweeter horn and very faint tube rush is noticeable at less than 6 inches. Over 6 inches and you can’t hear it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
What power cables have you guys tried on the 160M’s?

Are you plugging them into a conditioner or straight into the wall?
 
When I first put the ARC 160 mono’s into my system they were plugged directly into a 20a dedicated circuit via Transparent XL power cables.
Recently I added an Audioquest Niagara 5000 power conditioner. It is connected to the wall with an Audioquest Hurricane HC power cable. The Transparent XL power cables are now plugged into 1 of the high current outlets banks on the Niagara 5000. The other high current duplex powers each woofer amplifier on my Avantgarde Duo XD speakers.
 
When my 160s finally arrive, I plan to use a Shunyata Denali 2000t, with a pair of Analog Alpha cables. The Denali will be connected to a dedicated 20 amp circuit with a Sigma analog cable. Of course, I’ll ultimately listen without the Denali inline, but it has been an improvement with my Ref75.
 
Mike, Buddy, how has break-in been with the 160s? Any anomalies, or mostly linear? Have you noticed consistent improvement -- because out-of-the-box they are pretty f_ing amazing!
 
Bobvin said:
Mike, Buddy, how has break-in been with the 160s? Any anomalies, or mostly linear? Have you noticed consistent improvement -- because out-of-the-box they are pretty f_ing amazing!
Click to expand...

Bob mine have been mostly linear and also sounded great out of the box.
Unlike many other products the 160’s have not revealed a lot of fluctuation over time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top