24 replies to this topic

[bee200sx]

Hey guys,

I need some advice i'm planning on getting a good quality amp to power DLS Gothia three ways. I've been given the following options.

ARC Audio SE2150
DLS A3

I know both amps are very good quality in both build and sound quality and the specs are pretty much the same. And I know the audible difference is negligible. Which is why I need your help.

Which one would you guys choose. Basically i'm after a warm and natural sound to go with the gothia setup. I'd like to hear from those ppl who have experienced these amps.

PS is there an advantage to having the twin mono setup in the DLS A3? That is the only difference i can see in the two amps.

Your help is much appreciated guys.

Edited by bee200sx, 12 March 2011 - 06:11 PM.

[_Anthony_]

Which ever is cheaper? Which you like the aesthetics of?

[mad89]

I'd also be looking at the Tru Technology Billet B2200-S while you're up at this end of the market!

[~thematt~]

Get whichever is cheaper.

I've got the ARC 4200SE (two of them) and they're nice amps. Actually, they're fantastic amps, but you pay a premium to call one your own. And there is nothing that separates them from a much cheaper amp, sonically. The DLS is a nice amp, but IMO the chassis is way too soft (scratches easily). I've played with a few, and they a nice amps though.

Before elitecaraudio was pulled a few years ago, they did a test with some monoblocks and standard 2-ch and 4-ch amps, and discovered that the monoblocks had NO GREATER channel separation then the well built 2-channels. All amps, from memory, had between 60-65dB of separation. IMO, dual monoblocks are overpriced commodities that solves a problem that doesnt exist.

[muzzy66]

Firstly, I'd agree with Rick here and recommend the Tru Tech Billet's over either of the others.

Secondly if I had to choose I'd go with the DLS, but not the Ultimate - I'd be going with the Reference. They aren't as pretty, but the Reference (on paper) are every bit as good as, if not better then, the Ultimate's. I've also heard a LOT of owners / users suggesting that the Ultimate's are all about style and finish, while the Reference are actually better sounding amps.

The SE's just don't do it for me personally, I don't care what famous *insert godly name* person signed his name on them. Last I checked they didn't look fantastic on paper, and I haven't had great experiences with class T type amps from ARC Audio in the past (their A/B stuff served me well). I believe the SE amps are Class-T or similar,so that was instant turn-off for me. Finally, there is a massive price jump from a DLS Refereence to an ARC SE, and I'd be surprised if the ARC sounds any better audibly.

so for me, it'd be a DLS Reference...of if you really want to spend the moolar, it'd be the Try-Tech Billets. JL Audio Slash would also be not far behind.

[Fury♫]

muzzy66, on 13 March 2011 - 12:16 PM, said:

I believe the SE amps are Class-T or similar

Completely incorrect statement.

[bee200sx]

As far as I am aware ARC SE amps are class A/B. The tru techs are nice but a bit too big to fit under my seat, plus they are a bit more expensive.

I have also read from other forums that the DLS Ultimate series aren't as "Nice Sounding" as the Reference series, which I find quite strange given that the Ultimate series is the top of the range. It can't just be based on looks and not performance.

The only real difficult thing is that there are a lot of good reviews of the ARC SE series amp but not so much on the DLS amps. I think the DLS are more renowned for their speakers than they are for amps. And vice versa for ARC, who are more renowned for their amps than they are for their speakers.

Tough choice

[scraverX]

If size is an issue, fitting them under seats, then I'd go with the one that fits best but that's just me.

[~thematt~]

His name is Robert Zeff, and the SE's are A/B.

So does that mean you like them now?

Edited by ~thematt~, 13 March 2011 - 09:17 PM.

[br85]

I think Pete was thinking of the KS amps, and they're class G/H (FAR superior design to class D)

[ubernoob]

I have no real world input but I'd buy the DLS because it is made in Sweden, I love companies that keep production in their home countries.

[mad89]

Tru Technology are made in the USA. I also believe that the Arc SE's are also made in house in the USA.

[~Spyne~]

The ARC SEs use Class-H switching, so are not "pure" Class-A/B amps.
This doesn't necessarily make them inferior to Class-A/B. In fact, personally, I would suggest this specific design trait actually makes them superior to many Class-A/B amps.

[bee200sx]

I am a little bit confused here. As far as I am aware the ARC Audio SE range is pure calss A/B amps. The ARC Audio KS range is the Class H/G switching with A/B output.

Can someone please confirm this?

[~Spyne~]

Go to the ARC website, it says the SE amps use Class-H switching design.