I had the opportunity to do a direct comparison of the ARC REF6 and REF10 preamps in a system that included an ARC REF CD9 player, ARC REF 150SE amp, Wilson Alexia speakers and Nordost loom of cables.
The REF10 preamp had a smoother and more refined midrange and treble, lower reaching and more robust deep bass, and a soundstage with substantially more width and depth than the REF6. However, what I wasn't expecting was the REF6 preamp's very different sonic signature. The soundstage was much more forward than the REF10, the attacks were more abrupt and the mid-bass was punchier, creating a very vibrant and more aggressive sound. In some ways this provided more immediacy to the music but at the expense of some edginess compared to the REF10's silky smooth midrange and treble. The best single word I can use to describe the REF6's sound is "ballsy", while the best single word to describe the REF10's sound is "refined".
The presentation of the REF10 and REF6 were different enough that I would say it comes down to a matter of personal taste as to which one a listener would prefer. While I really liked and could be happy with the overall sound of the REF6, being a lover of jazz vocals, jazz piano, jazz guitar and small jazz combos, the REF10's sound really did it for me.
Best,
Ken
Thank you for your review Ken. I am not surprised that the REF 10 would be more of everything that is good especially considering the gulf in price. I am sure it is a phenomenal preamp and would expect nothing less from ARC.
One thing that cannot be overlooked is that every component will sound somewhat different in a given application. I consider it an important and final step in the decision making process to demo a given component in my own room before drawing a conclusion.
For some perspective here is my impression of the REF 6 in comparison to the REF 5SE. My system is comprised of an ARC REF 6 and GS150 amp, source is a Lumin S1 DAC, Acoustic Zen Crescendo MKII speakers. Cables are Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper and power cords are Shunyata Alpha HC. Source componets are connected to a Shunyata Triton on its own deadicated 20 amp. The GS150 is connected directly to its own dedicated 20 amp outlet.
Immediately the first thing I noticed was the soundstage was set further back. The soundstage width and height also reach further than they did with the REF 5 SE. The REF 6 is also quicker sounding than the 5. The REF 6 floats very solid images between the speakers. The bass noticeably extends further and is tighter with the REF 6 in place.
In comparison the REF 5 is more forward sounding and somewhat looser in the low bass. Compared to the REF 6 I would say the exact opposite is true. Something really impressive to me is the delivery of musical information from the REF 6. It is much more holistic, cut from the same cloth if you will, and comes across as more of a musical event than a summing sounds. With the REF 6 everything is more lifelike in its delivery. It sounds sweeter, but realistic at the same time. The mid-band is also fuller sounding and lends weight in the region where the human voice resides. I have not heard a more lifelike presentation of the human voice until hearing the 6 in my system.
Labeling the REF 6 as better suited to rock is a miss categorization in my opinion. Of course when the music calls for it, say something like Dire Straits, dynamics and grit are on full display. In contrast nuance and delicacy are appreciable, especially on albums like Patricia Berber’s Modern Cool. I listen mostly to classical music and large orchestral suites and find the combination incisive, dynamic and very melodic. If you want to hear an orchestra with all its life like dynamics the REF 6 is just amazing at conveying this information!
Finally I’ll just add that I am listening to much more of everything musically and don’t feel beholden to a specific genre of music. To me this is the highest compliment I can give a piece of equipment.
All the best,
Eric