Update: The Audio Research DSi200 integrated amplifier
At this year’s RMAF I blogged about the first US appearance of Audio Research’s DSi200, a high-power solid-state integrated amp equipped with remote control, three single-ended inputs and a pair of balanced inputs. To recap: It’s a beauty, with ARC’s classic chunky lines. “The heavy front panel features volume and input selectors flanking a vacuum-flourescent display. The brightness of the display can be adjusted to one of six levels, plus off—nine small pixels remain lit as a discreet reminder that the unit is powered on. Control functions under the display are actuated via four small, roundaluminum buttons; functions include Power, Mono, Invert, and Mute. The supplied remote control accesses these functions, plus a Left-Right balance control, and Display Up and Display Down controls. Silver handles are standard, but the most striking visual update may be the silver chassis that matches the handles and knobs. The DSi200 is also available with a black front panel, handles and knobs, but the chassis and wraparound cover will only be available in silver.” It combines a hefty analog, linear power supply with a discrete MOSFET-based switching output stage of ARC’s own design. Terry Dorn of ARC describes it as a different kind of “hybrid” that uses a regulated analog power supply with a high-speed switching output stage— but all solid-state. And the DSi200 does not rely on any OEM modules or pre-manufactured components such as those found in designs from other “Class D” manufacturers. The resulting amplifier puts out 200Wpc continuous into 8 Ohms (300W into 4 Ohms) with very high efficiency energy conversion — over 90% -- and almost no heat. And, says Dorn, it draws very little power at idle. In fact, it’s so efficient that it achieved an “Energy Star” rating — unusual for this industry and for a high-powered amplifier ($5995). It’s currently breaking in via track 2 of the Isotek disc set on repeat. Believe me, I won’t wait the full 600 hours before reporting some general impressions!
.jpg)
Note that ARC places a US Postal "Forever" stamp on its Warranty card-nice touch ARC!
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1999 - 2011 NextScreen. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
Comments
At $5995 it better be good because Pass Labs and Simaudio has set the bar very high per NG and RH.
amen to that-would make a terrific comparison-
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
However, we rarely see such direct comparisons of like-priced items. This would be an ideal challenge because they are all priced in the "sweet-spot" for so many systems.
I agree with you. I'll be reviewing the ARC in a forthcoming issue of TAS and plan to blog about it when it arrives in a couple weeks as well. Although it won't be involved in a survey or direct comparo per se, I plan to place the ARC in its proper perspective with some of the best integrated amps I've reviewed in the last year or so. I think that's a fair expectation.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil...I would also think that a comparison to ARC's LS17 and VS115 combo (ideally you would compare it to the VSi60 but given the power rating differences i chose the separates) for example would be an interesting comparison to see how their tube-based offering compares to their new "Class D" solid state integrated. Given that the LS17 and VS115 have figured quite prominently in the last issue's recommended systems feature and there were plenty of calls in the AVguide forums for TAS to review them if they were going to recommend them) it may make sense to have the reviews of those units and the DSi200 come out out at the same time with a comparison between their technologies and resultant sound. This will help prospective buyers of ARC gear to better match the right component for their systems. Just a thought.
Have you reads ARC's description of this amp? They think this is the Bees Knees. I'm thinking this amp must be special...
Oh,you said right,i like you!
I don't get it. If break-in causes such dramatic changes in sound, why don't they do it at the factory?
"Dramatic"? Most companies wouldn't quite put it in those terms–they'd be letting themselves in for a world of phone calls. However to reply to your question concerning why companies don't do the break-in prior to shipment, it's probably a few reasons. Most of these factories don't have the space to run each piece of gear emerging from the line for 30 days non-stop. Also, it's going to operate to spec right out of the box and sound fine. In fact in many instances the differences between a new component and a thoroughly broken-in one are so subtle and occur over such a lengthy period of time that it becomes difficult to quantify-you just kind of know it. Finally, I think many audiophiles enjoy the notion of being present at the very beginning while the gear is running in, noting the changes if any and discussing it with like minded hobbyists. Some listeners are more atune to these changes, others not. But for most of us, it's part of the fun.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
I don't know about "dramatic" but certainly "significant" changes happen during the break in period. Just passed the 300hr mark of my DSi200 being powered up (with about 150hrs of "play time" on it) and the amp simply "relaxed" and "fleshed out" in the mids (sepecially women's vocals). I had friends over for dinner Friday night and noticed my self thinking "the system sounds really good tonight" out of the corner of my ear, then was out most of Saturday, so didn't really get a chance to listen until Sunday afternoon... I pulled out some "new" (to the syetsm w/ the DSi200 in it) and previously listened to (when the DSi200 had less than 100 hrs on it) discs and noticed a significantly more natural & lifelike sound. Many "audiophile" folks are tired of hearing about Patricia Parber's recordings (others of us simply enjoy her as a musician), but having had the opportunity & pleasure of sitting 5ft from her right hand at the Green Mill in CHGO on many a night, I have a very good "mental reference" of what she sounds like live and the REF CD8 / DSi200 combo are a powerful combination when it comes to casting the spell of illusion / trickery to my ear... I simply forgot about the recording & system and was pulled into the music... I can't wait to hear what happens at the 600hr point (many folks say "switching amps" don't fully "break in" until somewhere in the 400 ~ 600hr range...)
I look forward to Neil's updates on this great integrated as well...
Conrad Johnson has an integrated in this price range also.
Having heard the new Magnum Dynalab integrated hybrid (tubed-pre section) easily better the I-7 and, with the recent review in Hi Fi +, the MD 309 should quickly become the integrated standard to beat. Bob
Cabiner...I was looking at that unit for a second system or if I decided to downsize from my current ARC Ref separates. I will start a separate thread on the MD-309 as we should probably not hijack Neil's piece on the ARC DSi200. Thx
Good point cmalak. It was just because others were bring in other brands. FYI, I ended-up buying the 309. The runner up was a NAIM based system (282 pre and 250.2 amp) at almost double the price of the MD309. And, because the internal DAC was so good, I've listed my LINN Majik CD player for sale (using Sony 9000ES as transport). Bob
Thx Bob. Congrats on the new purchase. Curious as to what speakers you use with the MD-309? Also, it sounds like you are using your Sony CDP as transport with the DAC probably using S/PDIF digital connection. My question is have you used a computer as transport via the USB connection? I was wondering how good the DAC is through USB connection given all the controversy of adaptive vs. asynchronous USB DACs. Anyway, feel free to answer here or in the new thread I started in the "Amps, Preamps and Controllers" forum. Thx again for your input and look forward to your feedback.
Funny you should mention the MD-309. I'm currently in the early stages of evaluating one-the review should appear early '10. I hope to get a blog up shortly.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Look forward to it Neil. What about the idea of comparing the DSi200 to ARC's LS17/VS115 that I mentioned earlier in your review of the DSi200? This will serve to compare ARC's newest SS (Class D none-the-less) offering to the tube alternative in that price/power rating range. Thx
It's an interesting idea. I'll try to look into it. My sense and perhaps yours as well is that these will be very different beasts. I've yet to hear a tube component resemble Class D, hybrid Class D or what have you. But that 's not to say it won't or can't happen. I'm just dubious.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil...I don't doubt that the sonic signature/attributes will be different but also perhaps interesting to contrast. Also, as I mentioned in my post earlier, since the LS17 and VS115 figured prominently in your Recommended Systems feature in the last issue of TAS but those pieces had not yet been reviewed by TAS, there were many calls by readers in other forum threads for TAS to review those 2 pieces of gear. I thought this way you could kill 2 stones with one bird and it would be an interesting comparison of alternative amplifier topologies from one of the premier names in high end audio. Just a thought. Thanks.
In response to cmalak,no I haven't used the USB input -just not into that side of things yet. But, there are several reviews on the Magnum site where their is reference to the USB input. I wouldn't imagine that it would be up to the RCA digital. And, mine was modified in several ways one was to change one of the two RCA digital inputs for an 'optical' to allow for flexibility. The other major change was to ask for a special faceplate: I wanted the thickness and curved sides of the the 309 but, with the design and meter layout of the 209 (i.e. no touch screen). The company was great and although it took some time, it was all worth it. Jim and Larry from the company were helpful and understanding. To-date, everyone has loved the combined look and ,as of the todat, probably the only one made. B.
An even more interesting comparison might be against ARC's own model 150.2, a "class-T" (Tripath) digital power amplifier that delivered 150Wpc into 8 ohms, and 300Wpc into 4 ohms. I use one with an ARC pre-amp and it sounds great... runs cool as anything, too.
Is there any scientific/objective evidence to support the frequently touted idea that audio equipment (Amps, speakers, phono cartridges, even cables) improve after a period of 'breaking/running- in'. I think this is pure myth (to put it politely).... much more likely that the listener simply adapts to the sound, so that 'improvement' is just a subjective nuance. Why should it improve and not degrade, after all ?? In nature (see 2nd Law of Thermo) things tend to degrade, not improve! JR.
I sure wish audio manufacturers would quit labeling the inputs with pre-designated sources such as CD, Tuner, AUX/Proc, etc. ... that seems so antiquated. I know you can usually connect whatever you want to these inputs but these days there are so many different sources available.
They should be simply labeled as 1, 2 and 3 and ideally accept user-defined labels.
With my SqueezeBox 3, it's a source of ripped CDs, radio, Pandora, etc. etc. and so it's not a CD or Tuner. I know I can simply plug it into the AUX/Proc, or any of the inputs for that matter, but you get the gist.
Looks like an interesting, if expensive, integrated amp. Given the current economic times, it's good to see a company like ARC continue to bring out new products. I'd love it see it compared to an Edge or BAT integrated in the same price range.
Now that most current home electronics sport HDMI inputs and outputs, does this make previous stuff obsolete? Is it possible to adapt older equipment to HDMI? That is, is there a standard wiring setup for HDMI that manufacturers follow? Is it concievable that a homeowner could install HDMI sockets on the chassis, and re-route component cablling and 5.1 audio internally? This may sound ridiculous to ask, but I have not seen any articles addressing this issue. For the person who has $thousands tied up in gear, it's a shock to see $50--$300 units that DO incorporate this upgrade to HDMI. Perhaps Neil Gader could address this question?
Ron,
If you're asking whether you can convert non-HDMI gear to be HDMI compatible, the short answer is no.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
It seems rather silly to put left and right inputs on the left and right hand side of the unit! It makes perfect sense for speaker terminals, but why on earth would you want your left and right inputs on opposite sides of the chassis? In my setup, my CD player and amp is on the same shelf of my audio rack, so it would require at one interconnect to be longer than the other. Right now, I can reach with .5 meter interconnects, it would never work on this ARC amp. Not everyone uses a vertically oriented rack.
I would put the CJ integrated at the top of the heap.
At least very near. But the CA200 has been discontinued.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil,
Initial impressions? Anything. Please. Oh, and please let us know how you think it stacks up to the class leaders: Pass Labs Int150 and Simaudio i-7.
These impressions are very, very initial but the ARC is performing extremely well. I haven't spent any appreciable time with the i-7 but compared to the Moon i3.3 which I reviewed recently, the ARC shares much of that integrated amps speed and transparency but with a little more oomph and control at the low end. The Pass Labs still strikes me as the warmer & slightly more romantic of the three, a bit darker overall but also more revealing of micro-dynamics. I haven't been able to drive as many speakers with the ARC as I like to do to get the full gauge of the amp but with the KEF 203s arriving soon, that will change. Thanks for asking.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil,
How many hours have you had it powered up- by now. I found that the sound really change and it is only after around 300 hrs that the amp looses its "thin" sound. From then on it still improve, but the changes are not that dramatic.
Regards
Lost track of the number of hours but it's at least that. the sound had continued to warm and has lost any residual leanness I noted at the outset. And the mids are really starting to bloom. I wouldn't mistake it for an old school tube amp-there's much more control and pitch defining going on in the bass for that. The amp has a lot of finesse, however and it's very precise. But it's also not a hammer in the sense that the Plinius Hiato is. to be sure, the Hiato has 300 Wpc so you'd expect it to handle bass transients and extension with ease. But the ARC has a lot of other things going its way which I expect to discuss further as my evaluations continue.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
thanks Neil, I concur with your assessment of the Plinius, I had both the amps at home before I decided to buy the Arc. The Plinius was too brutal with the Martin Logan Vantages for my liking. As you said, lots of power, but not enough finesse for my liking. (I think the Plimius might work very well with less transparant speakers).
Regards
You mention that the Pass Labs is warmer/more romantic. Are you describing a coloration? RH also said the same when comparing Pass Labs amps to Spectral amps which he describes as neutral.
Every amp has a character-heck every component in the chain has a signature that I attempt, however inadequately at times, to describe and then to contrast with another like-quality component. It's a perspective defining device. A coloration, however is something more overpowering and definitive and more often a negative.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil,
Any closer to completing your review of the DSi 200? thanks
the review isn't complete, it's not even written yet but I do have a couple thoughts. The amp needs break-in and a lot of it. Out of the box it sounded kind of sterile and dry especially in the treble, a trait that actually had me a little worried. By now however it's kind of settled in, and the sound has become more vivid, harmonically more detailed, slightly warmer tonally and has lost much of that earlier clinical character. To that end, I recently took delivery of the TAD Compact Reference speaker. It's a speaker that reveals everything and I'm pleased to note how the ARC has stepped up to the plate. To me it doesn't have the darker character of the earliest switching amps. It actually has much of the ripeness and bloom that I've come to expect from ARC. Anyhow, thanks for asking. I'll have much more to add when the review goes to print.
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
I have been waiting about 30 years to get an amp from ARC , when is
yours review ready ?
Do you know where is the best place to buy it in England ,
( I live in Denmark )
It should appear in Issue 203 which will street in July. Sorry, I'm not acquainted with the dealers in the UK but that info should be available on the ARC website. www.audioresearch.com
Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound
Neil - Were you able to audition the Sonus Faber Liuto that you reviewed in January with this amp? If so, could you comment on the sound and synergy? Thanks.
Has anyone tried either the AR DSi200 or the Simaudio Moon i3.3 with Ushers Mini Dancer 2 speakers? Looking for a good electronics match that's not quite as expensive as RH suggested with the Simaudio i-7 but perhaps a bit more sophisticated than the lower priced Cambridge 840 series that gets mentioned. Thanks.
Hi Neil, it's my first time writing in this forum.
I'm from Italy, (sorry for my bad english). I'm thinking to change may actual set up pre + power amp to get an integrated. I have a Cary Audio CPA1 as preamp and a Sugden Masterclass SP4 (50w x2 pure class A) as power amp.
I'm very satisfied, but now i need space , so i'm looking for an integrated i do not regret my actual set up. I've heard the plinius 9200, the new anniversary model, and it sounds good. Now i would like to hear also th AR dsi 200. Some news about your review on it? I think you already completed the break in period.
How daoes it sounds now? Thanks.