My new ARC REF PH2SE

Only a couple of hours - I had a hockey game tonight. Do I hear anything different? Wider soundstage. It seems quieter overall (as in blacker backgrounds). Bass is better. Goes lower and is tighter. It needs a good warm up.

It needs a good warm up - can you expand that thought?
 
It needs a good warm up - can you expand that thought?

If I turn it on and immediately put on an LP, the soundstage is flat and things are a little lifeless. But after three songs (12-15 mins) it transforms itself and I hear the midrange front and center with a beautiful bloom. After 30 minutes, subtle improvements. After 60 minutes, it stabilizes and I settle in for a glorious listening session.

The Zesto is the same way.

Plus, I have tubes in the REF10 power supply, controller and tubes in the two REF250's in the warm up.

When my tubes need replacing, I'll be applying for a second mortgage.

I drive a Hyundai because I need to save for tube replacements! :)

As Nelson pointed out, the detail at low volumes with the REF PH2SE is exceptional.
 
When my tubes need replacing, I'll be applying for a second mortgage.

I drive a Hyundai because I need to save for tube replacements! :)

A second mortgage? Quite possibly. The last I counted you would need 16 KT120's (8 pair), 19 6H30's and 5 6550's. I may have lost count along the way! Actually that's not too bad Mike. It's less than that new Lyra you're getting. :) Still, that's a big tube order.

Hey we aren't around for very long so enjoy it while you can. :D
 
I expect Mike to open "The Analog Superstore" in his next career. Tubes, LPs, sundials, barely used equipment (assuming Joe is a partner) and all things analog, which should help keep down costs for both of them.
 
A second mortgage? Quite possibly. The last I counted you would need 16 KT120's (8 pair), 19 6H30's and 5 6550's. I may have lost count along the way! Actually that's not too bad Mike. It's less than that new Lyra you're getting. :) Still, that's a big tube order.

Hey we aren't around for very long so enjoy it while you can. :D

That's a lot of tubes. Glad someone is counting! Maybe a tube tester is in order.
 
I expect Mike to open "The Analog Superstore" in his next career. Tubes, LPs, sundials, barely used equipment (assuming Joe is a partner) and all things analog, which should help keep down costs for both of them.

Can you imagine? We could open our own Stereo Superstore right now.
 
If I turn it on and immediately put on an LP, the soundstage is flat and things are a little lifeless. But after three songs (12-15 mins) it transforms itself and I hear the midrange front and center with a beautiful bloom. After 30 minutes, subtle improvements. After 60 minutes, it stabilizes and I settle in for a glorious listening session.

The Zesto is the same way.

Plus, I have tubes in the REF10 power supply, controller and tubes in the two REF250's in the warm up.

When my tubes need replacing, I'll be applying for a second mortgage.

I drive a Hyundai because I need to save for tube replacements! :)

As Nelson pointed out, the detail at low volumes with the REF PH2SE is exceptional.

What! a second morgage, I forgot I got to do one also
Angel
 
Thanks. This is exactly what I need!

That looks like an excellent tester! Like that it is in a pelican case for easy sharing :)
Here's a suggestion. Mike buys one. and then he "rents" it out to AS members for a fee +shipping ;)
 
That looks like an excellent tester! Like that it is in a pelican case for easy sharing :)
Here's a suggestion. Mike buys one. and then he "rents" it out to AS members for a fee +shipping ;)

Great idea! :)
Sort of like an Audio co-op.

Dibs on Joe's Dag amp and preamp!
 
That looks like an excellent tester! Like that it is in a pelican case for easy sharing :)
Here's a suggestion. Mike buys one. and then he "rents" it out to AS members for a fee +shipping ;)

That's the best thing I've heard all week! What a great idea. :)

With Mike and Joe's new analog audio store popping up soon, he can fly to each of our houses, we'll take him out to dinner, check our tubes, get to know one another first hand, and write the airfare off as a business expense! :snicker:
 
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