The Audio Research Reference 10 is here $30k

Mitch, nice! Doesn't sound like you need it! How do you know it will bring you closer to the music than you already are! Sounds like you have made it...congrats!

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Thanks for the kind words Pops. I'm certainly content with my current preamp, but the curiosity of the Ref5 SE and the Ref Anniversary is driving me nuts!
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No thanks, I will wait for the Reference 20 MKII, which should be available sometime next year for $50K

I consider the ARC sound to be analytical as opposed to musical. When people hear "more" with ARC electronics they assume that means better, but I'm not sure. ARC is "clinical" as opposed to musical, according to my sensibilities. Although I can't afford that particular preamp, I'm not sure I would buy ARC, even if I could afford it.

"Lean Sound"? What the heck did you hook their linestages up to and with Larryi? They are big, warm side of neutral and dynamic...never lean.