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RE: REX ref : Would you comment on the sound and the technology?

Posted by Bambi B (A) on May 4, 2010 at 20:32:19

In Reply to: The Rex weighs 76 lbs and is also less money to boot... posted by rgurney on May 4, 2010 at 16:35:30:

rgurney,

I'd be interested in your impression of the REX- I find these kind of ultimate cost and complexity no object designs the most interesting. I liken these to supercars- the Ferrari XXF- is a $1,600,000 car with such high performance if you're allowed to buy one, you have to visit it at the factory or have Ferrari deliver it to a track. With ultimate designs, you're going to see the most advanced gear going- and hopefully elegant engineering.

One of the reasons I'm such a fan of Audio Research for 25 years is this idea of elegant engineering- no more nor no less than necessary to operate reliably at the highest performance. As an another car to audio analogy, compare an Audi S5 to a Lotus Exige. The S5 is great to drive - 365HP ()in 3700 lbs, but a 275HP Lotus Exige will have it lunch in terms of performance -0 -60, and racecar levels of handling. That is because it only weighs 2,200 lbs- and the engine is tuned Toyota. Compare the cost of the S5 365HP detuned Lamborghini Gallardo 4.2 V-8 to the Toyota 1.8 Litre I-4- probably a 6 to 1 cost ratio. I'll wager the S5 also has 100's of parts more than the Exige- traction control, complex injection ignition and transmission links and control, climate and comfort stuff, and so on. Strictly speaking these are both devices to carry passengers while under control- the same function, but the Lotus is in my book by far the more elegant engineering- a pure case of less is more!

Similarly with audio, I've found over the years that like cars, complex and heavy solutions are not necessarily better. The most neutral preamps -and the quietest I've ever heard is the Audio Research LS3 and looking at the small main board it appears to have really very few components. I like the 80's tube designs as they had symmetrical physical layouts. However, I believe ARC learned that symmetrical layout mean longer traces and more connection points, I don't know- perhaps more potential RFI? while assymetrical proximity-based layouts are superior. In the world of vintage I see point to point wiring that is obviously intended to make every related component as near as possible to where it's working. The appearance is cluttered- but it's engineering efficiency and must impact the sound.

I've only seen small photos of the REF Anniversary, and it appears to me to be an extremely clean layout without a high population of components. Again, from photos, I see the REX having a more compacted layout- it appears to me more complex, but I assume there are solid engineering reasons behind the component proximities. I would enjoy Victor's comments on his priorities for board and chassis designs.

Sorry for a long theoretical ramble, but while we're talking about $25,000 and $18,500 preamps, we should be as critical as possible on a as many levels as possible.

So, what do you think of the REX sound, control, and build quality in comparison to other no holds barred preamps like the ARC Anniversary ann that $19,000 MBL, and so on? Sorry, I'm out of touch, but does VTL currently have an "ultimate" preamp? and, And when you mention the REX "and its technology involves more than just separating the power supply into another box", what are these technologies and how do they contribute to the REX sound?

I'd love to hear the REX and the current BAT gear, but as an unemployed person not on the market for anything- I don't have the chutzpah to waste the fellow's time at the boutique: "You there! Fire up the REX on bird's eye maple Wilson MAXXs', put on some Mahler conducted by Bernstein but not on DGG on the Rockport, hand me a double espresso with lemon- and be quick about it my good man!

Anyway, someday I hope that on my next trip to Virginia I might swing up and catch Victor in his natural habitat in Delaware- where I can waste his time. -No, actually I'll bring a California Merlot that will bowl him over- and then meekly enquire if there's REX already on somewhere- and the Mahler can be Tennstedt,..

Cheers,

Bambi B

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