What a nicely chosen system, for which you have my compliments. As a new Vandersteen 5A owner, I'm curious about your impressions of the tube AR Reference 250 monoblocs with these speakers. Have you compared these tube amps with any other options with the Vandy 5A's? My system page will show the way I've got things set up right now.
Thanks for any thoughts you might have on the subject!
Veerapaneni, did you get a chance to road test the S8s with the ARC Ref 250 amp? If you do, please share your impressions. Curious to see if it lines up with my experience and thoughts?
Btw, your last post permits the inference that you sprung for the Ref 75 afterall. Did you?? If yes, what are your impression of the Ref 75? I recall reading many reviews giving the Ref 75 high grades. :)
Btw, btw, if you still have the Ref 75, maybe you could hook it up to the S8s. I'm sure it's easier to move the Ref 75 to the S8s than the other way around. I'm really interested in your thoughts about the S8s?
Hi Veerrapaneni, glad to see that the Blinn racks are good. I had my eye on another company, but when I checked it out on A'gon, I read a few complaints. And the Blinn stuff looks good.
I've also been thinking about an ultrasonic cleaner. I currently own the VPI 16.5 RCM, but never use it because it's a PITA to fiddle with the fluid, the brush and the vacuum business. Too much OCD. Just been using a carbon micro fiber brush. The "vinyl-heads" think I'm short-cutting the process and they're probably right. The ultrasonic RCM looks a lot more user friendly.
Looks like you're an ARC "day-trader" looking to make a little margin on flipping the Ref 250s. If I may, while I think the Ref 75 is probably an excellent amp, I suggest that if you opt for a single chassis amp, you go for the Ref 150. This is where more watts may make more sense than less. Just my opinion.
Just curious about the Ref 250 output taps you're using. Do you like the 4 or 8 ohm taps the best?
Last ... if you road test your S8s in your main system, please send me a private message through the A'gon mail system sharing your comments. I think you will be scratching your head trying to figure out how so much speaker can only cost a fraction of the cost of the 5As.
Also, let me know which amplifier taps you like best. I'm a bit schitzo. I keep switching between the 4 and 8 ohm taps. Right now, I'm back to the 4 ohm taps.
Btw, are your S8s version 3. It matters. Also, they could use a little help from a sub woofer. I use the Paradigm Signature Servo sub. It's very convenient because it provides for phase alignment loudness and frequency cut-off adjustments.
By the way i have paradigm s8 paired with anthem p5 for my ht and i like them a lot. I never got them downstairs to pair with ARC gear. May be i should try .
Hi Bif, i like my steve blinn rack. It is very good looking and sturdy and fits all my equipment. I have upgraded from ref 3 to ref 5se and planning to upgrade to phono 2se or ph8'soon when i have enough money. Thankmyou for your suggestions. I chose ref 250 as i got a food deal on a unit with 200 hours. I really dont need them on my 5As , i might even try ref 75s in future. I am thinking of buying a good ultrasonic vinyl cleaner.
Veerapaneni, let me add my sincere compliments to the others on your gorgeous sound room and system. Just terrific!!
My wife gave me permission to freshen up my basement/sound-room/man-cave. It will be a process, but will include a new equipment rack. She also wants to do new carpet. The carpet lays on top of a concrete slab.
My question is how do you like your Steve Blinn equipment rack? I was also thinking about the Blinn turntable vibration control platform. Anyone out there use it? Comments??
Veerapaneni, I'm also an ARC fan. How do you like the Ref 250s so far?
Just curious, why did you opt for the Ref 250s instead of the Ref 150? I appreciate that erring on the side of more power is probably better than the other way around. I didn't think the Vandy 5As were such a tough load or all that insensitive a speaker, especially since it has a built-in self-powered woofer. That may not be a good assumption on my part.
I'm using the Ref 150 to drive Paradigm S8s (v3). The S8s are pretty sensitive (rated about 92 db), but have some tough bass/low midrange impedance and phase angle saddles. Fortunately, the Ref 150 has the juice to muscle its way through with plenty of clean power.
Btw, your room pic appears to show the Ref 3 or 5 linestage. Did you upgrade your linestage to the Ref 5 SE?
If I may, please let me suggest two minor "vinyl" tweaks, but only to be considered after your bank account comes off oxygen. :) First, you may want to give some thought to picking up either a preowned ARC PH-7 or PH-8 phono pre. I used to own the PH-7 and then picked up the PH-8. IMO, I think the 2 are extremely close performers. ARC and others may tell you differently, but that's my personal opinion.
The second vinyl tweak idea is snagging a preowned Lyra Kleos. I also owned the Delos. The Delos is a super cartridge for sure, but IMO the Kleos sounds better. Just know that the Kleos has .5 mV output. Based on my experience with the PH-8 (58 db gain) and Ref 5 SE (12 db gain using the balanced output), I think you'll be ok. However, I wouldn't pick up a cartridge with less than .5 mV output.
I look forward to reading your responses about the Ref 250 and the Blinn gear.
The quaility of sound is much better than Squeezebox touch and also have convenience of attaching hard drive directly to bryston. Also i can play 24-192 .
If I were you I would look at the Squeezebox transport as a possible are you could get improvement. Either consider adding a DAC or build a dedicated music server + DAC. I went this route from my Sonos and am very happy with the results.
System edited: I have Tried Parsound JC-1 and Ayre V-1xe and lied Ayre Much better than JC-1s. Sold my Jc1s and kepy Ayre. Very happy with my system and dont have any plans to change it anytime soon.
