McIntosh C500t vs Audio Research REF 3

I recently had the opportunity to try a REF 3 in my system, and to say the least was very impressed. Floored at the level it brought my systems performance too. But I have always been a Mcintosh guy. I am trying to decide between a C500T which I cannot get my hands on for a home demo, and the REF 3. Has anyone ever tried or compared the two. I have McIntosh MC402 and Revel Performa F32's on the 2 channel side. Also using a LP12 with Troika and Linto along with Ayre C5xe-mp. Just can't break that McIntosh love and without hearing it it is hard to decide. Thanks in advance. Also did a search and only an old thread with no responses came up.