Philb7777, Your description on the sound is similar to my neighbor's VTL Siegfried 2 driving Rockport Altair 2. Rockport needs power to sound best so your Ref250 should be a good match for Cygnus.

Last weekend he was playing a track with TREMENDOUS dynamics. It grabbed my chest and didn't let go until track was over. Just crazy!

My neighbor is upgrading to Rockport Arrakis 2 so his Altair 2 and VTL Siegfried 2 are for sale so PM me if anyone is interested. Both in mint condition.

knghifi October 13, 2015 14:57

09-25-15: Philb7777
The Rockport Cygnus have arrived. Unfortunately still in crates. The freight company would only deliver them downstairs and the ground level of my house. My listening room is upstairs so I have an antique furniture company coming out Wednesday Sept 30 to uncrate and move up the stairs into my listening room.

I will keep everyone posted when up and running.

Congrats on the Cygnus. Look forward to your impressions.

knghifi October 01, 2015 01:11

Philb7777, congrats on your new speakers. Always a fan of Rockport speakers. Looking forward to your report how ARC and Rockport sound together.

knghifi March 04, 2015 19:29

Phil, I have ~190 hours on my Ref 250 and have to agree with you, it's the best of both worlds, SS and tube. Compare to my SS amp, it has no grain, more 3D, SUPERIOR timbre and an airier bass (not better but different).

My room is a large 25'x33'x15' with TAD Evolution One's 88db @4 Ohms on short wall so was hesitant. This amp has no problems filling the room with a transparent, linear and neutral full bodied sound. I can't wait to roll the NOS Tung Sol 6550 and KT150s after the amp is fully broken in.

To my surprise, the stock PC is excellent so no hurry to change them. It doesn't sound dark, thick or slow compare to all my stock PCs.

I contacted Kalvin @ARC regarding fuses and he doesn't recommend replacing with aftermarket. He agrees aftermarket has superior quality but timing is different so potential problems if there's a failure.

knghifi August 11, 2014 01:08

Thanks Phil. I will restraint myself from tweaks until amp is broken in ~500 hrs. I was advised these amps are very sensitive to quality power and high current PC. They will be going through a DEDICATED Weizhi PRS-6 and 20amp line.

BTW, I agree with the statement these are not your grandfather's ARC. I never like ARC and after reading JV reviews, I had to check them out again. He commented the brightness in upper mids and leanness have been voiced out to a more linear and musical sound.

knghifi July 27, 2014 12:43

I'm certainly open to it though - have any recommendations?

Actually I'm seeking recommendations. I ordered ARC Ref250 w/KT120s several weeks ago after my source confirmed KT150 is a drop in replacement for KT120. It's scheduled for delivery next Tue. These will be my winter amps so hope they run HOT. :-)

Downloaded Owner Manual and wondering upgrading the 3 fuses (power transformer, start-up circuitry and main power).

Once tubes are broken in, will roll NOS Tung Sol no hole smooth plate 6550, 6h30-dr and KT150 in the Fall. Forgot the amount of work and $$ owning a tube amp :-)

BTW, what PCs have you tried with the 250? I only have 15amp PC so need new PCs too.

knghifi July 25, 2014 20:08

Beautiful system Phil ... I was wondering, have you tried upgrading the fuses in your ARC Ref 250?

knghifi July 24, 2014 16:29