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Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

Just picked up news on another OP that ARC is upgrading the Ref 5 to an SE version that incorporates some of the technology from the Ref 40. The other OP posted the URL link below. Does anyone have any solid information anout this news development? Has anyone heard the Ref 5 SE? Same rumor about an SE version of the Ref Phono 2?

http://artsexcellence-audioresearch.blogspot.com/2011/12/audio-research-reference-5-se.html
bifwynne
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Day two of the honeymoon.

I swear the bass performance of the 5SE seems to have a bit more bite than the 5 at 120 hours.
missioncoonery
1,200 posts
 
"If missioncoonery's mission statement is always to wait for the next best thing, he might never have to buy anything ever."
Doggiehowser..You missed my point.AR changes its line so often it doesnt make sense to buy anything from them new as its replaced quicky.Quicker than any other manufacture IMO,which sucks if you buy new..Whats great today,tomorrow is now under performing and on the cheap...get it?
darkstar01
15 posts
 
Missioncoonery - Not sure I agree with your statement about ARC changes lines so often. After all, the REF40 was issued as a limited production model, and a game changer at that.

If ARC wanted to be consumer unfriendly,they could have forgone the upgrade route with the REF 5 and come out with a REF 6. But they didn't and IMO did the right thing by offering the upgrade. Heck, if you don't want it then you don't need to buy it and if you do, your not spending 13k on a new pre-amp.

If you want to pick a company who revamps there line-up frequently, look no further than Magico.

Anyhow, back to the REF 5, does anyone know if the upgrade includes the new faceplate and buttons?

Thanks

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Darkstar,

I was told by my dealer that yes, it does include the change in the front faceplate and it has to be shipped back to the factory for the change.

And I agree, the Ref5 has been around for about 2-3 years now so it doesn't feel like product churn.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Darkstar, I spoke with Calvin today about the Ref 5 SE and he confirmed what Doggiehowser said. Yup - new face plate. I even asked Calvin if I could keep the old face-plate so my wife wouldn't catch the change. He said nothin' doin'. I guess I'll take my luck -- I've signed up. Should hear back from ARC by end of January/early February for the my upgrade. Calvin also mentioned that ARC will do the upgrade for an indefinite period of time. Point being that folks on the sideline don't have to rush to a decision -- at least that's what Calvin said.
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