ARC Ref 150 upgrade to KT150 tubes

Pacha

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Pacha

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I now have had two evenings to listen to the new amps, even though they still need to break in I'm very impressed. Proceeding These amps were a Ref 75 and a Ref 150 over the past 8 or 9 years. Some people have told me these would just sound like bigger cousins to the previous amps. I don't agree at this point, the sonic signature is still there but, the brightness of the diamond tweeters has been tamed and the response time is so much quicker and controlled that the 15" woofers snap. Dave Gordon told us that they will only get better, can't wait.

DSC_2860 (1).jpeg

My plan over the last two years was to upgrade to the highest point of my satisfaction within my budget before I quit working and my discretionary income shrinks. I think I'm there. I need another Sound Anchor stand to get them farther off the floor and all looks good.

Thank you to all the people who chimed into this and my other threads as I went through this process.
 

Argonaut

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Most pleased for you Pacha, the REF250SE’s are not merely about extra watts on paper, Perhaps now might be the time to talk about how your REF5 SE is something of a bottleneck now that you have the 250SE’s. Were I in your shoes I would be looking hard for a well cared for ARC REF 40 Anniversary
 

Pacha

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Most pleased for you Pacha, the REF250SE’s are not merely about extra watts on paper, Perhaps now might be the time to talk about how your REF5 SE is something of a bottleneck now that you have the 250SE’s. Were I in your shoes I would be looking hard for a well cared for ARC REF 40 Anniversary
That would be super except, I really don't have the room for the extra chassis. I thought about and almost purchased one for $11k but, settled on the 5se because of space.
 

Pacha

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Make space !!!
LOL, I'll settle in with this for a while, I've only had the 2se and 5se for less than a year. Maybe before I quit working.....
 

Argonaut

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Quite understand Pacha...however the step up to REF40 Anniversary / REF10 is quite significant if you could swing it
 

Pacha

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Quite understand Pacha...however the step up to REF40 Anniversary / REF10 is quite significant if you could swing it
Of thoes two my preference would be the Ref 40, the Ref 10 is way out of reach financially. For now I'm thourghly enjoying the system as it sits and after all, enjoying the music is what it is all about.
 
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lem321

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Feb 7, 2014
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Quite understand Pacha...however the step up to REF40 Anniversary / REF10 is quite significant if you could swing it
I’d go ARC 6SE, while not quite the Ref 10, it’s only a single chassis and sonically close to the Ref 10 IMO.
 

Pacha

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I’d go ARC 6SE, while not quite the Ref 10, it’s only a single chassis and sonically close to the Ref 10 IMO.

Something to think about. Now I'm sitting back, sipping on a good single malt and loving the music.
 

microstrip

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I’d go ARC 6SE, while not quite the Ref 10, it’s only a single chassis and sonically close to the Ref 10 IMO.
Although they have a family sound, I would not consider the REF6SE close to the REF10 or the REF40.
 

Argonaut

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I agree, whilst the ARC 6SE is a superb preamp, and please excuse the analogy, it is more of an Inline Flat 6 if compared to a REF 40/10 Pontiac V8
 
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Pacha

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Apparently ARC has 1ea. Ref250se manual left and they are shipping it to me. I'm absolutely enjoying the sound of these amps and ARC has been very responsive to any questions I have had. I will consider the suggestions some made to up the Ref 5se to a 40 Anniversary but, with what I'm currently hearing I will not be in any hurry to do this.
Again, thanks to all who provided suggestions and assistance
 
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Pacha

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Apr 23, 2014
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One final update from me. I'm loven the sound of my system and the Ref 250se amps haven't even broken in yet.
Thanks again to all who gave advise on my two threads covering my first full upgrade in almost a decade.
 

Big Dog RJ

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Feb 2, 2012
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Correct AJ! ARC's customer service and support has always been top notch! Just think about it, these monoblocks that have been discontinued... were redone one last time just to support a very enthusiastic customer. Goes to show, it's not just a transaction, rather it's a passion!

Their customer support has been solid since their inception and it remains worldwide. Even as a former sub-dealer, they would always find a way to help out. Speaking of which, "always finding a way to help out and keep the customer happy" is not in the best interest of some other companies as we both know... especially when it comes to obsolete items...

I think ARC's goal is not just keeping the customer happy, rather keeping the customer delighted! And only good things can be said about their service, passing it through word of mouth and on forums like this. What better way to gain positive traction. They've been producing the finest tube gear for decades, might as well keep going strong. ARC gear Down Unda is not very affordable, they come at a premium price. However, if you can afford it, they're truly worth every penny! Always pushing the boundaries through research... "Audio Research" go figure!

Enjoy those REF250SE's!
Woof! RJ
 

Another Johnson

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I’ve ended up with REF 250SEs too.
I replaced a set of CJ LP275Ms.
I bought a REF 75SE and fell in love. But the pair of REF 250SEs is not just the big brothers. They take the performance to a clear “next level.”
 

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