New to forum and need help on picking amp 75 SE vs 160 S

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Purple991

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Mar 10, 2020
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I have always been into Mcintosh and was thinking to make my first purchase. I met a guy who been helping me with purchases with home video and audio equipment and he recommended me to get Audio Research. After some listening to ARC (LS28 + 160M with Soulnote D 2 ) and Mcintosh (c53, c2700 +MC275), I decide to go with ARC. I already picked what units i wanted to use, but i am having a 2nd thought on the power amp and want to see some opinions.

Here is what I selected:

- ARC Ref 6 Se
-Focal Kanta 2
- Soulnote D2 DAC
-NAD M50.2 streamer

At first I picked 75se for my power amp, but I am worry that i will regret not paying a little bit more for the 160 S. I am thinking 160 S will probably have a longer run since is newer. I do love the new ghost meter but I also feel the 75 se meters re also very classic and actually a cool piece to own even the upgrade in the future. But also will it be an overkill to use the 160 S with the above system setup?

Please let me know what you guys think :)
 
Welcome. The benefit to the 160S is triode mode which will offer some sweetness in the top end. The Kanta tweeter can be a little energetic, and the triode mode of the 160S will really help with this.


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Do yourself a favor and don't buy the 50.2. I began with that unit, nice features but gave me buyer remorse due to poor sound. I sold mine and bought an Aurender ACS10. More money but worth every penny by comparison. Now there is ACS100 if cost is an issue. There are other options as well, it's just ACS10 was closest to what I liked about the 50.2.

Welcome. I've only heard the 160M and they are excellent. Stick with Ref series.
 
Sane advice!
I am no audiophile by any means but do like What i hear,mostly jazz.I began with MC 275/C22/C2200,BW Nat speakers,progressed to AR VT 150 M/LS 5 and loved what i heard.
switched back to McIntosh 1.2KW AR ref 6,BW 802D3 loved open clear sound but still missed valve sound and authority.
My current system is,AR 160M,Ref6,MCD 350 and Focal Scala V2,clear, open ,wide sound stage, no harshness or shrill, I love it.
I have MT 5 and AR PH3 phono on order.so you see your system will evolve over the years; More visits to dealerships and audio shows not only create anxiety but empty pockets
Do what you heart desire!
 
Purple991 said:
I have always been into Mcintosh and was thinking to make my first purchase. I met a guy who been helping me with purchases with home video and audio equipment and he recommended me to get Audio Research. After some listening to ARC (LS28 + 160M with Soulnote D 2 ) and Mcintosh (c53, c2700 +MC275), I decide to go with ARC. I already picked what units i wanted to use, but i am having a 2nd thought on the power amp and want to see some opinions.

Here is what I selected:

- ARC Ref 6 Se
-Focal Kanta 2
- Soulnote D2 DAC
-NAD M50.2 streamer

At first I picked 75se for my power amp, but I am worry that i will regret not paying a little bit more for the 160 S. I am thinking 160 S will probably have a longer run since is newer. I do love the new ghost meter but I also feel the 75 se meters re also very classic and actually a cool piece to own even the upgrade in the future. But also will it be an overkill to use the 160 S with the above system setup?

Please let me know what you guys think :)
Click to expand...

I don't want to challenge or introduce any remorse if you already ordered your gear but from my perspective as I have Ref6 and Ref75 i would maybe think of changing the selected speakers. Namely I've been auditioning with this amplification quite a nice number of speakers among them also being Focal Sopra 3 and the match with ARC gear was OK but not even close to the match with the speakers i took at the end Vienna Acoustics Liszt. If you have possibility give them a try before you make a final commitment for Kanta.
Just my 2 cents...

Cheers;
G

P.S. I would also jump on 160S...
 
Thank you for your replies, I will have a listening on all of them again and will pay attention to what you guys mentioned. Thanks
 
I find the suggestions here on AS, although not always what I want to hear, are usually excellent and well meaning.

Even though many on this forum play in a much higher level of gear then I do, I can always get honest opinions and help especially when I am learning (or relearning) another aspect of our crazy hobby!

Welcome, you will enjoy your stay here and of course, most important of all enjoy your music on that amazing system you are putting together no matter what the final components you decide upon.
 
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