Audio Research Reference 6SE/Reference 80S review

We have the Audio Research Ref6SE tube pre-amp and just love it.

One thought with this article: it pairs the Ref6SE with a tube amp from Audio Research (ARC). We have heard nothing but great things about ARC (tube) amps—especially the 160M monos. But we have cut our teeth in the audio culture where not pairing a tubed pre-amp with a solid state amp is a sin deserving of stoning (at least of the alcohol variety).

But is there truth in that if the tubed pair is from the SAME manufacturer that all is forgiven?
 
AThrillOfHope said:
We have the Audio Research Ref6SE tube pre-amp and just love it.

One thought with this article: it pairs the Ref6SE with a tube amp from Audio Research (ARC). We have heard nothing but great things about ARC (tube) amps—especially the 160M monos. But we have cut our teeth in the audio culture where not pairing a tubed pre-amp with a solid state amp is a sin deserving of stoning (at least of the alcohol variety).

But is there truth in that if the tubed pair is from the SAME manufacturer that all is forgiven?
Click to expand...

There simply shouldn't be any stonings, since everything is so dependent on system context and listening preference! I've mated VAC premp to VAC power, and Rogue Audio's top preamp to their top power amp, but so far I kind of feel like ARC Reference 6 pre to VAC power is the best overall match I've had here (across all music genres). I like Rogue's top power amp with EITHER the VAC or ARC preamp, but not with their current top preamp. And yes, the VAC Master tube preamp makes for a mighty fine pairing to a good SS amp (I haven't tried the Ref 6 with SS amp yet but I'm sure it will be great too)!

Yes the Reference 6 is a killer preamp, and the 6SE should be even better. The Ref 6 with 6H30 tubes doesn't exactly sound like traditional tubes OR SS, and somehow that must help it match great with just about anything.
 
Yesterday I got hands and ears on experience with the Ref 6se. I like the looks and feel of the pre, I was impressed with the sound. The sound was transparent and airy, large sound stage and had that magic that transports you to the event. I did not hear what I call the ARC house sound I detect in earlier ARC gear. I was really impressed with the unit. The Ref 6se just has a realism to the sound I don't hear that often.

I read the Ref 6 is true balanced Class A and had some circuit tech used in the 160M's.

I miss Joe. It looks like his sig has changed but I haven't seen a post in a long time.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Yesterday I got hands and ears on experience with the Ref 6se. I like the looks and feel of the pre, I was impressed with the sound. The sound was transparent and airy, large sound stage and had that magic that transports you to the event. I did not hear what I call the ARC house sound I detect in earlier ARC gear. I was really impressed with the unit. The Ref 6se just has a realism to the sound I don't hear that often.

I read the Ref 6 is true balanced Class A and had some circuit tech used in the 160M's.

I miss Joe. It looks like his sig has changed but I haven't seen a post in a long time.
Click to expand...

What's the current price on them?
 
puroagave said:
the retail is now 22.5k, four years ago it was 17k for the identical unit. I would say its still good value at the new price but if you're buying a used one dont pay the premium unless you know its no more than a 1 yr old.
Click to expand...
Thank you.

Audio Research is not my kind of sound, but I certainly hope they can rebuild the company.
 
Michaels HiFi said:
Thank you.

Audio Research is not my kind of sound, but I certainly hope they can rebuild the company.
Click to expand...

Reserve that thought until hearing the 6se. AR used to not be my type of sound either but the 6se is not like old AR, I'd love to have one with a set of 160m's. The 6se has the excellent AR imaging and sound stage but the background is all air and transparent.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Yesterday I got hands and ears on experience with the Ref 6se. I like the looks and feel of the pre, I was impressed with the sound. The sound was transparent and airy, large sound stage and had that magic that transports you to the event. I did not hear what I call the ARC house sound I detect in earlier ARC gear. I was really impressed with the unit. The Ref 6se just has a realism to the sound I don't hear that often.

I read the Ref 6 is true balanced Class A and had some circuit tech used in the 160M's.

I miss Joe. It looks like his sig has changed but I haven't seen a post in a long time.
Click to expand...
I talk to Joe nearly every day. He is in a difficult way caring for his Mom 24/7 and trying to keep her at home as long as possible, plus carrying and looking after her large home. I try to keep his spirits up. He had to sell most of his gear to cover costs. He’s staying strong.
 
Mike said:
I talk to Joe nearly every day. He is in a difficult way caring for his Mom 24/7 and trying to keep her at home as long as possible, plus carrying and looking after her large home. I try to keep his spirits up. He had to sell most of his gear to cover costs. He’s staying strong.
Click to expand...
Prayers for Joe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top