The most interesting thing to me is that after VTL offered tetrode/triode switching at least 20 years ago, ARC is now incorporating that flexibility into this amplifier and, presumably, future amplifiers which will inherit the 160M’s design characteristics.
When in the future ARC upgrades the 750SE to the circuit design of the new 160M with triode mode, then it would be fascinating to perform a direct, apples-to-apples shoot-out of that future ARC versus the Siegfried IIs.
Well, well, well...
After years of denigrating everyone who uses output tube autobias by saying it simply can't be done without compromising audio quality, they have apparently changed their tune and have implemented this feature now (and probably forever). Better late to the party than not at all. Now, we'll just have to see if their reliability factor has improved from past performance (I blew up both of my 610s within a week of installing them many years ago). I certainly hope so.
Marty,
I can't speak for sound quality, but reliability on the new (read: 2-3 years back) ARC series is impressive. We've had the line for about a year now, and we had *0* issues. Nothing. As you said, a few years ago, reliability was indeed a concern with ARC, and actually, when we were discussing the dealership opportunity with them, we brought this subject up as a serious concern we had. This was also addresses in the factory tour we did, and they showed the little things they've been doing to help with reliability.
I'm just glad their recent stuff is all rock solid, and, to my ears, are the best products they've ever done, across the board.
Modern ARC is more reliable also because current tubes are much more reliable - even with very old series I only had problems when tubes broke. Dealers should persuade them to include a B+ fuse in supply of the high voltage. Did they add it in the new series?
I agree, the KT150 is an exceptional tube, much superior to the KT120s used recently, both in sound quality as well as reliability. The amps also go easy on the KT150s, given what other brands are doing with them.
I do not recall a fuse specifically in there, when they pointed out the protection circuitry in the new amps, but it might be there and I just don't remember right now...
Well, well, well...
After years of denigrating everyone who uses output tube autobias by saying it simply can't be done without compromising audio quality, they have apparently changed their tune and have implemented this feature now (and probably forever). Better late to the party than not at all. Now, we'll just have to see if their reliability factor has improved from past performance (I blew up both of my 610s within a week of installing them many years ago). I certainly hope so.
Well, well, well...
After years of denigrating everyone who uses output tube autobias by saying it simply can't be done without compromising audio quality, they have apparently changed their tune
Single ended input with Triode mode option as well (at last)... very nice. Tho calling it Ref160 when it’s output has been reduced down from the Ref150 and GS150 to 140 watts is more of a marketing thing as a Ref140 isn’t going to sound as a step up from a Ref150. But i suppose if winding it back a bit makes it sound better or may increase tube life then that is a good thing. I also couldn’t see an output figure for the Triode mode but it hopefully might be at least 50 to 60 Watts.
For sure if it’s a sonic advance on the GS150 then it sounds a very promising option.
Comments on how successful the KT150 as a tube is proving also then makes me wonder how long before Cat also offer a KT150 version of their JL5. That would also be a nice thing to see. Maybe also with more and more KT150 amps coming out with time maybe the boutique tube makers like Psvane and Kron may also start offering their takes on the KT150 as well.
I cant speak for reliability since they are new and I have not owned them but they did sound good at Axpona. It was one of the few rooms I had time to visit and liked what I heard. It seems to be priced at a good number as well.Well, well, well...
After years of denigrating everyone who uses output tube autobias by saying it simply can't be done without compromising audio quality, they have apparently changed their tune and have implemented this feature now (and probably forever). Better late to the party than not at all. Now, we'll just have to see if their reliability factor has improved from past performance (I blew up both of my 610s within a week of installing them many years ago). I certainly hope so.
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