Not to hijack the thread, but I was a long time ARC user also, but also used other brands. I most recently owned a Ref3/Ref110 combo for a couple of years. I was very surprised when I tried a Shindo Auriges L which, for only $2995, pretty well outclassed my Ref 3. So I would just recommend you seek one of those out before spending much more. I moved up to the Masseto, and well, that is the same price as the Ref 5, so if you are spending that kind of money, you should check it out also.
The audio research arc line- from top to bottom.
I have been searching for a balanced tube preamp for some time, recently started to look at the arc line.
I understand that the ref-5 is the best at the moment. I am curious what is second best? Is it the ls-26? Or the ref2 mkII?
Where do the others fall.
I understand that the ref-5 is the best at the moment. I am curious what is second best? Is it the ls-26? Or the ref2 mkII?
Where do the others fall.