John, your logic on the cost implications of the 6922 preamps is possibly flawed. Firstly, I only use Amperex A Frames in the first two preamp positions and less costly tubes in the later positions. The Sovteks are horrible! The improvement in the Ref2 is not subtle. Secondly, I listen to my system about 650 hours a year. That says my preamp tubes probably need replacement every three or four years. If you put the $5000 price differential between the Ref3 and Ref2 in a bank at 4% interest, You'd get $600 plus in compound interest in three years. Besides the 6922 option gives a way to customize the performance of your preamp.
Jeff
Jeff