Ok here it is, the verdict after a fine audition.
The listening took place since last weekend, I also managed to audition the Strads in a somewhat more larger room than the previous.
The ARC Ref system: Ref75, Ref250, Ref5SE, & RefCD9
At the first dealer's room the overall sound was not that great at all I must say. Simply because of the fact that they don't have much room. It was way too small and heavily damped, which compensated for resonances, and standing waves, but just didn't justify the price tag for the Strads. The ARC Ref250's are very nice amps, however not a huge jump from the Ref75 in terms of overall presence other than 3 times the power. Which is a good thing because owners buying the Ref75 would know that they are getting the best with the rated power.
The second room was far better by a far margin, such that it had these big windows upto the street front which were damped with heavy curtains and drapes that automatically roll down. the corners of the room were also damped with sound material & bass busters, and the perception one gets is that it looks twice as large compared to the first room. Also worth mentioning is the system/components instead of being plonked right in the middle were located on one side, allowing the focus to be more on the Strads.
Both amps drove the Strads perfectly well, the Ref75 having plenty of drive, and of course the Ref250's having an effortless presence of sound. The Strads sounded awesome, and it would definitely go lower compared to the Elipsa. However, that lower part may be too much for some, as they really need more room than the demo room itself. I could feel their potential and they weren't at full potential here. Anyway, the bass was tight and articulate, smooth midrange, and striking highs. Very fast drivers and overall matched quiet well with the Ref250's. To me the Elipsa's were still a better sounding speaker because this room was too small for Strads to open up for what they're known to do.
Obviously for those with a nice large open space, I can see how the Strads would shine!
They are also gorgeous speakers with impeccable cabinetry both the Strads and Elipsa are extremely well built.
I must say that I did audition a few years ago nearly the previous ARC Ref pre of the 5SE, the Ref250's and RefCD8. The speakers were the Magico Q5's and to me this system had it all. Great dynamics, wonderful coherency and awesome impact. Of course the price tag was far higher, but compared to Strads, I think the Strads hold it quite well together.
The real treat would be to audition the Strads with the c-j GAT and ART amps, that would be in a league of its own!
Anyway, that night as usual I listened till nearly 4am once again, enjoying that magical sweet midrange, smooth highs and awesome soundstage, which can only be delivered from none other than the Quad ESL's!
Enjoy that music!
note: (for those with a very large room, plenty of open space not closed space, and only the best amplification, yes the Strads would be a great match)
Cheers, RJ
The listening took place since last weekend, I also managed to audition the Strads in a somewhat more larger room than the previous.
The ARC Ref system: Ref75, Ref250, Ref5SE, & RefCD9
At the first dealer's room the overall sound was not that great at all I must say. Simply because of the fact that they don't have much room. It was way too small and heavily damped, which compensated for resonances, and standing waves, but just didn't justify the price tag for the Strads. The ARC Ref250's are very nice amps, however not a huge jump from the Ref75 in terms of overall presence other than 3 times the power. Which is a good thing because owners buying the Ref75 would know that they are getting the best with the rated power.
The second room was far better by a far margin, such that it had these big windows upto the street front which were damped with heavy curtains and drapes that automatically roll down. the corners of the room were also damped with sound material & bass busters, and the perception one gets is that it looks twice as large compared to the first room. Also worth mentioning is the system/components instead of being plonked right in the middle were located on one side, allowing the focus to be more on the Strads.
Both amps drove the Strads perfectly well, the Ref75 having plenty of drive, and of course the Ref250's having an effortless presence of sound. The Strads sounded awesome, and it would definitely go lower compared to the Elipsa. However, that lower part may be too much for some, as they really need more room than the demo room itself. I could feel their potential and they weren't at full potential here. Anyway, the bass was tight and articulate, smooth midrange, and striking highs. Very fast drivers and overall matched quiet well with the Ref250's. To me the Elipsa's were still a better sounding speaker because this room was too small for Strads to open up for what they're known to do.
Obviously for those with a nice large open space, I can see how the Strads would shine!
They are also gorgeous speakers with impeccable cabinetry both the Strads and Elipsa are extremely well built.
I must say that I did audition a few years ago nearly the previous ARC Ref pre of the 5SE, the Ref250's and RefCD8. The speakers were the Magico Q5's and to me this system had it all. Great dynamics, wonderful coherency and awesome impact. Of course the price tag was far higher, but compared to Strads, I think the Strads hold it quite well together.
The real treat would be to audition the Strads with the c-j GAT and ART amps, that would be in a league of its own!
Anyway, that night as usual I listened till nearly 4am once again, enjoying that magical sweet midrange, smooth highs and awesome soundstage, which can only be delivered from none other than the Quad ESL's!
Enjoy that music!
note: (for those with a very large room, plenty of open space not closed space, and only the best amplification, yes the Strads would be a great match)
Cheers, RJ