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Audio Research S-200

ARC has finally updated their website to show their six new products. Of them, this is the one I can see myself buying in order to get away from the demands of my Ref 150 SE (though my Ref 80S is seemingly easier on tubes). The ARC site shows next to nothing about the design principles reportedly adopted/impemented by Mike Bettinger. One side of me says "who cares" since by and large all solid state amps look pretty much the same inside and despite the manufacturer's claims, there is precious little that is groundbreaking in amplifier design, particularly with class A-B. But the other side of me wants to see what ARC has to say. I am particularly interested to read what they will admit to; after all can there really be any doubt that ARC came back out with two solid state designs to get away from their vulnerability to the fluctuations in the tube market? 

So, does anyone have any information at this point? 

fsonicsmith
cleeds
6,548 posts
 
randyhat

Has anyone had a chance to hear them?

My dealer didn't have them when I visited three weeks ago.

kapland
5 posts
 

I've had a chance to listen to the S200 Amp.  It was at a local dealer using the LS2 preamp and Wilson watt/puppy speakers.  I must say I was very impressed. The overall sound was fluid, detailed yet also somehow just easy.  I compared it to the S100 amp.  The s100 amp was excellent but I felt the s200 was better in every way.  The bass was deeper, image clearer, the presence of each instrument better defined.  I did not try the LS1 amp as the store owner felt that the LS2 was so vastly superior that it was not worth my time.  FWIW, I brought in my current amp, a Mark Levinson 585 integrated.  This amp is no slouch.  But I found the AR combo much more engaging.  The biggest differences were increased bass and instrument detail.  I ended up buying the LS2/S200 combo.  So, I was impressed.  I suggest having a listen if one is available locally.

kapland
5 posts
 

oh, I forgot to mention that they look pretty cool, too.  The display on the preamp is classy and the meters on the S200 also look good.  I preferred the silver over black, but my other components are already silver, so I may be biased..

 

fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith OP
995 posts
 

Thank you Kapland. I will be taking a close look (as in considering purchase) at the S200 soon. I have two ARC amps at present which I switch in and out, the Ref 150 SE and the 80S. I have lost all faith in New Sensor and production of reliable and reasonably priced KT150's. 

kapland
5 posts
 

I've never dipped my toes into tube amps, sticking to pre-amps only.  I've felt life is too short to be messing around with power tubes. I'm sure others disagree.

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