Audio Research

[AnotherJohnson]

FWIW, the end result of all this ARC stuff is …

Val Cora bought ARC, saving it from bankruptcy. The key personnel stayed on. But like CJ, they’re all still tube designs.

Due to the tube crisis, I started looking at and auditioning high end solid state gear so that I could conserve my store of tubes.

What I discovered of value to me was that in head to head shoot outs, as ARC beats CJ if the goal is high definition, Burmester beats ARC. I also found that the current Mcintish offerings are seriously good. Far clearer and more articulate than their vintage siblings.

So … all of my power tubes except for the ones I use in guitar amps are gone. And all of my tube gear except for the ARC Reference Phono 3SE are also gone.

My system is centered on Burmester Top Line, and it blows me away every night. I leave it powered up 24/7, and this brings a noticeable bump up in SQ too.

[admin]

I was really happy to hear that ARC landed on its feet after the financial debacle the other year. I could have seen it go another way and it would have been sad to see such a great producer of tube gear to have been lost. I'm hoping that they have a long a fruitful future with their new financial backing.

I can definitely appreciate anyone's desire to move away from tube gear. It's definitely more burdensome and expensive to simply run tubes that need to be replaced vs SS that has a much longer life span. Mix in the tube supply issues and it would cause anyone to pause before making a purchase.

The "forever on" state of many equipment is interesting. Some of the components in my system are like this as well. Apparently it does not negatively impact longevity and perhaps improves sound quality. I'll let each person's ear decide.

[AnotherJohnson]

I think debating tubes vs solid state is silly.

I can pick samples from both and one is better for one purpose and another for another.

It is far more meaningful to compare specific models, decide which you prefer, and use the one you prefer.

On the issue of whether tube or solid state has the better long term prospects … again we find that it depends on the sourcing.

I’ve been told that McIntosh now has control of their transistors. And they also appear to have the resources to corner their specific tube needs. For the long term, modern McIntosh may be the smartest choice… and because of their scale, their new gear may also have the best performance to price ratio.

As for the debate about what sounds best today that was new 30 years ago … it’s obviously of great interest to many. But it’s no longer of any interest to me. So I’ll leave that to others.

[AnotherJohnson]

ARC has used Valario Cora’s deep pockets to really shore up ARC’s future. Dave Gordon says they’ve hired several new engineers and are now back in “full R&D mode” with new models in the stream. The first is the new 330M monoblocks. At $90k/pair, they were introduced for orders at the Munich show this spring. They are working on upgrades and new models, including new entry level products. I think he said they were now back up to 30+ employees. They are finally addressing the issue of individual tube bias. I think this is a step forward.

Val is serious about providing ARC with a solid, tube based foundation and, although I’ve stepped away from them for now, I think they’re really back.

[admin]

Very good to hear. The 330M looks like a beast. On their website it says they will be available next month. Interestingly the picture posted is of a black colored body. I wonder if they are shifting their classic color scheme? But overall this is really positive news.

[AnotherJohnson]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R5K0FlSDHl8

[admin]

Good video. Sounds like ARC has their priorities in the right place and I hope them the best of luck and great success.

I really like the i70 design with the grill case. Similar market as the new CJ CAV60.

[Big Dog RJ]

If you want tooobs with plenty of power, headroom and basically on steroids, then look no further than these!
Ref330m comprising of 6 KT170's per monoblock and run bloody hot! Reminds me of those massive VTL and Manley Labs amplifiers I had back in the day. The VTL Wotans could launch 1000w of raw tooob power, and the Manley Ref350's will put out 400w in a sneeze if required.

The only issue with this particular design is that I found the KT170 to be forced... like a typical SS high powered design, it just blasts away... not much musicality nor finesse. In which case, just stick with high powered SS designs, Dan D's Relentless, Momentums, Progression, Gryphon, Boulder, CH Precision, Solution, Goldmun, Dartzeel, Burmester, Acuphase that sort of range. I really don't understand why anyone would bother in high powered tube amps having SS character when those tubes need replacing.

For me, when it comes to pure musicality, expansive soundstage with an enveloping affect and presentation with finesse, there's none other than the KT120, KT88 and EL34. These will and have stood the test of time. Simply cannot be replaced.

Cheers to ARC!
RJ

[admin]

Can't speak to their sound as I've never had the pleasure of auditioning them, but they do look amazing. 330 watts per channel, now that's a powerhouse!

[Big Dog RJ]

Yes, not only these amps but also the Ref160M's are just as capable. I had the Ref160M mk1 on home trials on several occasions. After about 6 months, that same ARC rep brought over the MK II version, equally impressive with more current capacity. Both versions grabbed the CLX's with total grip and control, it was fantastic!

However, it's a different type of breed, one that's very punchy, powerful drive factor, unlimited headroom and dynamics galore! The overall performance was excellent as it should be but there was a fine line of crossing sheer power / brute force vs true musicality. I guess I prefer the softer approach, where things are more relaxed, expansive reach in soundstage depth and that listening experience for endless hours... that's CJ.

Absolutely nothing to flaw with this new level of Reference ARC gear, it's basically a matter of preference that's all.
Cheers maties, keep those tooobs glowing.
RJ

[Joe Appierto]

I know what you mean about it all comes down to a matter of preference. Over the years I've owned a 5881/6L6 amp, an EL-34 amp and two that were designed around the 6550 but could use other types such as KT-88, et al. One of the variants I tried was the KT-90 which I think was originally commissioned by VTL to use in their amps and produced by Edicron Industries (Ei). From a technical perspective the KT-90 couldn't be faulted with excellent detail/clarity, sound staging and frequency extension. But to me they sounded almost solid state in character and left me cold.

As you said, just personal taste.

[Big Dog RJ]

Woof! I here ya Joe!

At one point during a power surge, both the Manley Labs Ref350's had tranny issues. One had its mains tranny replaced, whiles the other had two flat-pack type trannies replaced since they went up in smoke. Parts were shipped pronto by Eve Anne (president- Manley Labs) and they were up and firing away in no time.
Just when I was about to place a second order for the usual set of 16 6550C type tubes, Eve Anne suggested that I try the KT90 Ei, just to experience something different. So 16 brand new matched & tested KT90 Ei's were sent all the way from Chino CA to sunny tropical Colombo. They did make the Ref350's sound fuller, with more power and drive factor but that beautiful tone and lush midrange wasn't quite upto par as compared to the 6550C.

In any case I used the KT90 tubes for about 2yrs before selling off the amplifiers with a set of 6550C tubes as new spares. Something that the new owner also agreed upon and changed over to the 6550C type when the KT90's were due.

Musical tastes and preferences vary drastically depending on many factors of the owner. However, there's a fine line when it comes to actual preference vs what the system may sound like if this one small change was made. Can't have it all... but that fine line is very fine! Ultimately you've got to make sure it's your right choice, one that you like and engage in 110%. No one can tell you otherwise.

Cheers, the tooons are fine!
RJ