2. amps-preamps
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Looking at the Audio Research DS450 - once again

.....I am once again at a position to seriously think about this amp. I have no access to litening to it ....and based on dealers, and reviews...it seems like an all around winner. Yet as much as they work around it,...it is a class D amp. Maybe ARC has developed one that does actually sound good. I would like to hear from members who have listened to it, bought it....or said no to it. Please, if you haven't done any any of these no need to respond
garebear
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I've heard the 450 a few times and even considered buying one . The sound is quite good , less clinical than most class D's i've heard , bass was not on par with other good solid state designs . As much as I liked it , I just couldn't get into it , didn't have that foot taping rhythm . As much as I admired it , it wasn't on par with there tube amps , and thats coming from a guy thats not a tubie .
ritmo
99 posts
 
I bought one and still have it. It does a very nice job driving my Revel Salon 2s.

Would I buy it again? Only if I was pairing it with other ARC equipment.

Thanks,
Mike
marc777's avatar
marc777
116 posts
 
I have had mine for a year and find it very transparent. It lets the character of one's preamp shine through. I have the AR LS-27 preamp (tube) which mates nicely with the 450. They drive my Wilson Sophias sublimely.
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