there are many reviews of the 5se out there OP
it is a great preamp but not for everybody
it does benefit from tube rolling, isolation running it balanced and mating it up with ancillary components with synergy.
i get fantastic sound out of mine which i have owned since it debuted. it is an upgraded 5 and 5 could go back to factory and be upgraded. most people can hear a clear difference between the 5 and the SE ( really across the line - ARC changed some components that benefited the whole line - cynics and those prone to hyperbole will say they planned it - doubt that - fierce competitors putting out product they know is not their best - doubtfull.
take a look at my virtual system and you should get some idea of the tools at my disposal to evaluate a preamp
my next upgrade will not be the ref5se but will be poweramp
finally i have heard really good sound from other preamps, aint it great to have choices
it is a great preamp but not for everybody
it does benefit from tube rolling, isolation running it balanced and mating it up with ancillary components with synergy.
i get fantastic sound out of mine which i have owned since it debuted. it is an upgraded 5 and 5 could go back to factory and be upgraded. most people can hear a clear difference between the 5 and the SE ( really across the line - ARC changed some components that benefited the whole line - cynics and those prone to hyperbole will say they planned it - doubt that - fierce competitors putting out product they know is not their best - doubtfull.
take a look at my virtual system and you should get some idea of the tools at my disposal to evaluate a preamp
my next upgrade will not be the ref5se but will be poweramp
finally i have heard really good sound from other preamps, aint it great to have choices