Audio Research Reference 6 or Mark Levinson Reference n 32

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fclombardo

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May 20, 2016
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Hi all,
I own a ML Ref n32 preamp with the phonostage. I am very tempted to buy the audio research reference 6, replacing ML 32, but I'm afraid to regret the splendid performance of the ML 32.

Did any of you have a chance to compare? What advice do you feel to give me?
I listen only vinyl and if I'll buy the ARC Ref6 I'll need a pre phono..
 
I can't really speak to your question, specifically, but I can offer that I switched from a tube pre-amp (McIntosh C500T) with upgraded tubes to a Mark Levinson pre-amp and I couldn't be happier. The Levinson is fuss-free and I don't have to worry about whether I'm happy with the way the tubes influence the sound. If anything, the sound is less bright through the Levinson than the McIntosh, which I am happy about.

It sounds like you're considering a change that will require more signal cables, power cables, and tube choices.

Personally, for me, if I go back to tubes, I might get tube amplifiers but probably not go out of my way to get a tube pre-amp, again.
 
Yesterday, I have compared the ML Reference n32 with its internal phono stage and the Audio Research Reference 6 with the Aesthetix Rhea phono stage. My cartridge is the Soundsmith PAUA MKII and the turntable is a Brinkmann Balance with its 12.1" tonearm.The power amp is a Dan D’agostino Classic Stereo.
My first impressions compared to the two setups:
I find the ML 32 quieter, “educated", calm and linear and more transparent.The ML32 has more detail and has a slightly highlighted mid-high compared to Ref6. ML 32 has a larger extension at the bottom, ensuring greater control.
The Ref6 + Aesthetix Rhea combo returns a bigger soundstage both in height and in width, sometimes it seems to magnify/enlarges the instruments. It has more "physicality" and the sound seems to be less "trapped" in the speakers.

I hope I have explained well..
 
Thank you for your thoughts, makes perfect sense. I personally would like to see you try the ARC GSPRE against the Ref 6 and listen to what that gives you. I prefer the GSPRE over the Ref 6 but that’s me.
 
so the ML is one box , more reliable and sounds good . you need to be pretty sure before you change . that said if i had the opportunity i would buy a ref 6 tomorrow as arc pre amps have an amazing sound
 
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