Has anybody heard the new Audio Research LS 27?

"Simply replacing a few parts with newer parts on an old obsolete piece of equipment, will never outdo a new one if the new one's design is different and better."

Funny thing about old obsolete equipment, I was just listening the other day to a friend's "obsolete" highly modified SP-10 Mk 2 with his "obsolete" modded D-115 Mk2. Now I'm not going to say it is up to the latest offerings from this esteemed company but this system is highly evolved and emminently musical and enjoyable, I say the devil is in the details. btw, is it real yet? No doubt it sounds great, happy listening!

I bought my LS-27 8 months ago along with the DS 450 and excellent it has sounded after an initial long burn-in period of about 600 hrs

I just purchased an Ls-27. I have not heard the Ls-26, Ref3 or Ref-5. I was using an Ls-25. For me this is a major upgrade in my system. It sounds so good I can even listen to digital and like it.

Funny I just read Ref5-SE already released, how long did that take. Same old ARC. Great marketing.

While not as bad as say Wilson, ARC could do more to protect the investment of the original owner. For instance, they could offer things like the SE "upgrade" at cost for the original owner. Or they could offer the original owner a guaranteed trade up percentage for future purchases. The only thing they did to protect their customers who bought the LS-26 was to increase the price of the LS-27 by $1000!

I've owned two pieces of ARC equipment. I respect their business savy and quality products. But until they do more to protect the customer who buys their products new, I'm afraid I'll let them take the hit when the Ref 5 becomes the Ref 5SE. What will the Ref 40 be worth if the rumored Ref 10 comes out, say for 18K, and trumps its performance? Once you get into five figure retail prices depreciation is a significant issue and can't be ignored.

The LS-27 is exactly what I'm looking for. But $7000 for a line stage is a major investment, especially since it's only worth $5000 the minute you walk out the door. And would be worth maybe $4000 when the LS-28 is annouced at or near the same retail price.

For me, ARC products only make sense used. Particularly when it's being replaced by a newer model.