Audio Research Reference 6 Preamp Review

Im happy you like your older gear don_c55 I'm sure it's just as enjoyable!

Yes indeed new ARC gear goes beyond caps...

It was awesome to see the process from inside the factory tour with Fremer. 

I've listened to a lot of different equipment and I'm throughly amazed just how good their new products are! 

Pass is good stuff! Tried some of their stuff as well. In the end I always end up coming back to tubes. :)

Enjoy!

Oregonpapa

The REF 75SE is an awesome amplifier! I also over time worked my way through the refrenece line and felt each component offered a definite improvement over the last.

The reference 6 is my first new ARC product, I usually by used through Agon, but couldn't pass on an opportunity I had to purchase one new.

While ARC says it does take 600 hours to fully break in, right out of the box it sounded awesome! I've got about 400 hours now on it and a GS150 power amp and I'm absolutely in heaven!

Ill take tubes over solid state in my system every time! 

Laltik, both seem like great preamps. Not knowing an awful lot about the SP-20 I would probably be more partial to the LS28.  I think that may be the sweeter of the the two based on some of the reviews I've read.  

I didn't get the chance to hear either.  I had a REF 5SE and loved it. When the REF 6 came out I thought it might be a better match for my GS150 and based my purchase of the 6 entirely on the strength of REF 5.  

I would take comments like, I spoke with someone who remains nameless at Audio Research that fairly matter of factly one is better than the other with a grain of salt.

The only way to know is to compare for yourself.

However I do know someone who owns a REF 10 and said that the REF 6 is 90% of the REF 10. Which really represents an amazing value all things considered since not everyone wants or has the space for a 2 box preamp.

Also worth mentioning is that if you have any of the newer ARC products they look even better when they match. :)

lalitk, me too!  The craftsmanship and precision that when into the 'new' design is only fully appreciated in person. 

jafant, I came from a Ref 5 SE and was able to compare both side by side. The 5 SE is a wonderful preamp and loved it dearly. Comparing the two, I could not go back after listening to the 6.  

By comparison the the 6 is faster yet sweeter sounding while adding detail. The bass especially is more defined while sounding fuller at the same time. Soundstage is wider, but probably the biggest change is the depth of soundstage. The great depth the ref 6 offers leads to some stunning layering and very precise imaging all adding up to more holistic you are there feeling. 

Dev, WOW great feedback and excellent advice!

Enjoy!