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Audio Research Reference 6 Preamp Review

Latest review of the REF 6

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/audio_research_reference_6.htm
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jazzguy43
31 posts
 

I own the following ARC gear: LS27, PH7, PH8, SP20, SP10, SP15a, LS8Mk2, VT60, D60, 2 D240Mk2, D400Mk2, Ref110, Ref150, CD3Mk2. I listen to the stuff in various configurations with the only limitations being the Ref110 and Ref150 do not have a SE input and the SP10 does not have balanced outputs. Everything is connected by either Litzlink and Litzline (both black and grey jackets). I use a HO version of a Dynavector xx2mk2.

Reliability: I never had a problem w/any of my equipment that is the backbones of four systems. One of the  D240Mk2s has a solder joint issue that occasionally causes a 30 second or so disruption.

Sound: The newer stuff is quieter. The Ref150 is in a class by itself. The D400mk2 is the best solid state amp I have ever owned and it has much better bass control than the REF110. The LS27/PH8 combo is much better than the SP20. The SP15a is a very strong contender. The SP10 is not as extended in both ends and sounds artificially euphoric compared to the LS27/PH8 or the SP20.

 I have not compared the PH7 v PH8 v Phono stage of SP20. I will also eventually get around to using the PH6 with the SP15a and SP10 linestages.


Thoughts??

jazzguy43
31 posts
 

Enter your text ... I have not compared the PH7 v PH8 v Phono stage of SP20. I will also eventually get around to using the PH6 with the SP15a and SP10 linestages.


I meant PH8.

knghifi
1,668 posts
 
However I do know someone who owns a REF 10 and said that the REF 6 is 90% of the REF 10.

I would take comments like, However I do know someone who owns a REF 10 and said that the REF 6 is 90% of the REF 10 with a grain of salt.

The only way to know is to compare for yourself. 
jhconnor31 posts07-19-2016 10:08pmI certainly have not. However, I spoke with "a person" at Audio Reaearch about the two. He said, fairly matter-of-factly, that despite the improvement in the Ref 6 power supply that, in his opinion, the 40th Anniversary still out performed it. If the Ref 6 is even close then I would highly recommend giving it an audition.

I have Ref250SE and preamp came up when talking to someone at ARC and he also said 40th Anniversary out performs Ref 6.   

jhconnor, typically one box solutions are not considered 'no cost object' designs. Let's be fair, how about asking this person a direct comparing between the 40th anniversary edition and Reference 10?
One is not superior to the other but just different.  Mainly due to different capacitors.


jtimothya
612 posts
 
5,6,40,10 - they all share the same circuit design.  The 6 has improvements trickled down from the 10.   Dual mono power supply makes a significant difference separating the first tier Ref gear (5,6) from the second tier Ref gear (40,10).  

The system context that allows one component to fulfill its potential may be limiting to another component from a higher class.  Without that context most comparisons are limited.
rspyder
98 posts
 
I think ARC is doing more than upgrading capacitors.  I loved my ARC 40th and switched to the Ref. 10.  More than an icremental improvement: attact, bass, extension, mids, depth and width of sound stage, etc.  Takes more than a capacitor tweek to deliver that.  Don't get me wrong. The earlier ARC stuff is great.  I just find the newer stuff alot better and so it should be with technolgy and if its going to go head-to-head with the top three, including Constellation.

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