[dminches]

Has anyone used an Audio Research Ref 150 with a pair of 5As?  I am wondering if the amp has enough power to drive them appropriately.

[kenreau]

Has anyone used an Audio Research Ref 150 with a pair of 5As?  I am wondering if the amp has enough power to drive them appropriately.

You need to hear them with my SimAudio Moon Evolution W-7 amp and P-7 preamp...I think they are a great synergistic combination with my 5A's.  This is an honest, but shameless plug as I just posted mine in the Trading Post if interested.  I'm moving up the line. 

Thanks
Kenreau.

[kfr01]

Has anyone used an Audio Research Ref 150 with a pair of 5As?  I am wondering if the amp has enough power to drive them appropriately.

I don't know if you have already made a decision, but I use the ARC Ref. 150 with my 5As currently. 

I landed on the Ref. 150 after trying varying models of Parasound, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, the ARC Ref. 110, and the ARC DS450. 

The Levinson and the DS450 had better mid bass punch, but the overall musicality of the ARC 150 is tough to beat...

[JackD]

dminches

I know that AR is Richard and his dealers current recommendation for Vandersteen speakers, but the best I have found for them in 17 years of ownership of Vandersteen speakers are Odyssey amps.  Try an Odyssey Kismet amp and keep the rest of the money in your pocket.  Another great choice with Vandersteens is Music Reference.

[dminches]

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions. Right now I am using a pair of Ayre MX-R mono blocks. I am very happy with them. They seem to be a very nice upgrade over my Cary SA500.1s.