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Downsizing from Audio Research REF110 to 100.2


I have an Audio Research REF3 and REF110, I pair them with Proac D38 and Transparent ultra MM biwire speaker cable.

I want to keep the REF3 but I am going to try the very well reviewed solid state Audio Research 100.2, I like the REF110 but I want to have more simplicity in my system and not to think about if my power amp in switched on or not.

I also wanted to convince myself that I am not such exigent to need always the best, I had in the pass an Audio Research D200 which left to me good reminders, I know that 100.2 in noticeable better so I think it could be enough satisfactory in my system.

Someone having some experience with both amplifiers?
How they would compare?
jglpubli
radrog
157 posts
 
If you buy the 100.2 it will sound tinny.It also will not be laid back and you will lose allot of definition. The 100.2 is not a good piece of equipment compared to the REF110. You will gain dynamics and punch though. It is a trade off but my opinion is THE REF110 JUST SOUNDS MORE LIKE MUSIC.
gmele
93 posts
 
If I had a REF110 I certainly would not trade it for a 100.2. Just for the record the 100.2 is anything but tinny...
eee3
214 posts
 
The 100.2 is considered the best solid state amp audio research ever made and one of the best solid state amps around. It sounds more tube like than any solid state I've ever heard and I agree with Gmele, it is anything but tinny!
Having said that, I think you would be taking a step or two down from the Ref 110 but if solid state is what you're looking for....
jglpubli OP
12 posts
 
Thanks everybody for the answers, I think I have to try to see what happens in my system. If I do I will post my experience in this thread.
I am sure REF110 is a superb power amp but I also feel I am not getting 100% of its possibilities, perhaps there's a problem in my room, of I would need a better (and maybe bigger speakers). I heard that Proac is a good match with Audio Research but not sure about current models...
arcl60
24 posts
 
Hi Jglpubli
I have a friend who runs Proac speakers (i don't know the exact model number, but the speaker has 2 woofers around 7 or 6 inches on Apolito mode). We tried an Audio Research VT200 on those speakers, and faced issue on bass response (bass response was not consistent with medium and high frequencies). I'm not sure Audio research tube amplifier is a good match with Proac speaker, so solid state amp is maybe something to try...
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