BAT VK-85 preamp

[puroagave]

The ARC Re6 is a big improvement over the Ref 5SE.

thats what I was afraid of.... the madness never ends.

 

[mep]

thats what I was afraid of.... the madness never ends.

If you want to be more afraid, you can read the review I wrote years ago where I directly compared the the Ref 6 against the Ref 5SE.

Audio Research Ref 6 Line Stage - Preliminary Thoughts - Positive Feedback

Transformative Evolution I first heard about the Ref 6 line stage coming to market in late October 2015. Without any hesitation, I contacted ARC and placed my order. Why? Because ARC has rarely taken missteps in the evolution of their products since the inception of the company and I was...

positive-feedback.com

 

[nc42acc]

If you want to be more afraid, you can read the review I wrote years ago where I directly compared the the Ref 6 against the Ref 5SE.

Audio Research Ref 6 Line Stage - Preliminary Thoughts - Positive Feedback

Transformative Evolution I first heard about the Ref 6 line stage coming to market in late October 2015. Without any hesitation, I contacted ARC and placed my order. Why? Because ARC has rarely taken missteps in the evolution of their products since the inception of the company and I was...

positive-feedback.com

Mark
Does ARC offer an upgrade of the REF6 to an SE?

 

[mep]

Mark
Does ARC offer an upgrade of the REF6 to an SE?

They did, and I assume they still do. If someone is interested in doing that, they would need to contact ARC. What I wouldn't want is the plastic remote that came with the Ref 6SE in place of the metal remote that came with the Ref 6.

 

[nc42acc]

They did, and I assume they still do. If someone is interested in doing that, they would need to contact ARC. What I wouldn't want is the plastic remote that came with the Ref 6SE in place of the metal remote that came with the Ref 6.

The BAT VK-85 remote could be classified as a weapon and weighs more than a chifi class D amp.

 

[Mr Peabody]

My friend procrastinates he still has his Ref 6se he is looking to sell if anyone is interested. He got it back from ARC not too long ago, it works fine, we compared it to his new preamp.

I need to check I thought ARC began to offer an upgrade remote for the Ref 6se. A preamp of that price range should have a great remote to begin with. What were they thinking. Even my Pass XP10 had a remote you could use as a weapon. Not many functions but it was substantial, LOL

 

[nc42acc]

My friend procrastinates he still has his Ref 6se he is looking to sell if anyone is interested. He got it back from ARC not too long ago, it works fine, we compared it to his new preamp.

I need to check I thought ARC began to offer an upgrade remote for the Ref 6se. A preamp of that price range should have a great remote to begin with. What were they thinking. Even my Pass XP10 had a remote you could use as a weapon. Not many functions but it was substantial, LOL

What did your friend buy to replace his REF6 SE?

 

[Mr Peabody]

What did your friend buy to replace his REF6 SE?

He upgraded to the Esoteric Grandioso two piece. They have a single chassis version for around the same cost as the 6se, IMO the Esoteric would be the way to go. With that being said two different presentations. So it could come down to preference.

The Ref 6se has some of the technology used in the 160m power amps which makes the 6se very responsive while providing that ARC tube goodness. Imaging is very good.

I've not heard the Esoteric single box from the units I have heard I've detected a "house sound" that is very controlled, effortless and transparent.

Their monoblocks are beautiful looking. They have the same sound as I described.