Audio Research and Wilson Sabrina

Unfortunately, I cannot offer much...  I run Wilson W/P 8 with two McIntosh MC275 tube amps in mono mode.  So 150 tube watts on paper (180 tube watts tested).  Sensitivity on the W/P 8 is 91 db at 4 ohm.  My brother runs a Music Reference RM9 100+ watts stereo tube amp with his Wilson Sophia II, sensitivity is 89 db at 4 ohm.   We are both very satisfied with the power and loudness.  Overall sound is wonderful.  I also have vaulted ceilings and a huge 18’x25’x19’ room.  His room is large, but, low ceilings - 9 feet.  Normally, I would say you are OK, but, I say borderline because the Sabrina is 87db sensitivity at 4 ohm.  If the REF75SE is a conservative 75 watt, ie. tests out at 90 watts or so, you should be ok.  One thing I can say, I believe it will sound great, since we both love tubes with Wilsons.  You should definitely try it before deciding.  Try the Sabrinas closer than normal to the front wall to get a little more bass, ie. try 2 feet or a little less from the back of the speaker to the front wall. 

Be sure to try the various output taps. The 75se is a very sweet amplifier imo and experience - I’ve heard it at length in a variety of systems.. including a couple of week loan while my Ayre was being upgraded. I have a REF80S but not running Wilson. Best to you in music :-)

jim

Hey Sam, it's Dave N.  I think your system sounded fantastic the last time we were there.  Plenty of dynamics and headroom on the Basie and Dire Straits records we played.  

Be careful with ChatGPT.  It told me that my Aric Audio amps weren't sufficient to drive my Stradivari's in my room.  Well as you know, they are and ChatGPT is wrong.  Seems like it takes generalizations and applies them to specific queries.  Sometimes it is accurate, sometimes not.  

After hearing your system, I wouldn't make any changes to your electronics.  In fact I left thinking I might one day return to Wilson speakers!  

Do what I do when I start to question if I should replace something...just buy more records!  Happy new year and I hope we can get together soon.

I think you will be very happy with the ARC Ref 75. These are beloved amps for a reason and tube amps so they have much more power than a solid state. I have a friend with Wilson Puppies and the ARC Vti 80. While the Sabrina is a less efficient speaker... unless you blast rock and roll... then the REF 75 will provide plenty of power. Maybe someday you will have the funds to upgrade. I would definitely go for the speakers... assuming you like Wilson.. .I am an ARC / Sonus faber person. You can also wait and enjoy an upgraded amp later. I'm sure you will be happy in the mean time.  

For many years, if not still, Audio Research always demoed, and also tested when voicing, their products using Wilson speakers, so that should be a great fit.

I have a pair of ARC Ref 250SE monoblocks for sale, if you want to up your ARC game a bit.