Audio Research REF 75 vs VAC Phi 200

Oregonpapa ... what is the ARC CD-7se? Are you referring to the CD-7 with the upgraded power supply: (1) 5881 tube and (1) 6H30 tube??

Glad to read that the KT-150s are working out. Still scratching my head about why ARC continues to hold back officially blessing the KT-150 for use in its current amp lineup.

Yeeesss .... I've read the hearsay reports that so and so at ARC said the KT-150 are ok. I want to see it come in writing from ARC. They've had that tube in life testing for two or three lifetimes already. I doubt this type of conduct would have happened under Mr. Johnson's watch.

I fully endorse Oregonpapa's comments on the ARC and KT150 tubes. I can not comment on the VAC, which is not imported to the UK, but the Ref 75 is by a big margin, the best amp I have had in my system, though it is the most expensive.

On the subject of pre-amps, I run mine with a clone of the Music First Audio Baby Reference and it is a great combination, a cleaner more neutral and less coloured sound than the ARC Ref 3 pre I compared it with.

Oregonpapa, I have read elsewhere that KT150's in the Ref 75 do NOT require the top to be left off. Can you clarify your comment? Are you saying the top won't go on due to tube height, or that you are not comfortable with proximity to the cover? On another forum, a member took temperatures on a Ref 75 cover with KT 120's and 150's and found them to be the same.
A lot of people who might try this tube may be disinclined due to a requirement to leave the top off, so please clarify. Thanks.

David12, I've never listened to a Ref75 but have read the glowing reviews.. You said it was the best amp by far in your system. By comparison can you tell us what other amps you've had that it bested? I'm trying to get a point of reference.

Bifwynne ...

Yes, its the CD-7 with the upgraded power supply and tube upgrades. Big jump in sound over the stock CD-7. In fact, quite amazing. I have it on good authority that the newer CD-6 is more analog-like ... and it has no tubes.

Dbarger ...

Yes, you're correct. The top WILL fit on with the KT-150's in place, but just barely. Even so ... leave the top off. The amp sounds better sans the top ... just like turning the meter lights off. Same thing for all of ARC's display lights.

Also, just in case you folks haven't seen this in some of my other posts; move the tube dampener rings up to as close to the top of the tubes as you can get them, and be sure that both rings are solidly touching each other. This provides for a nice overall improvement in sound.

Happy listening ...