An Unusual Question -- Equipment Rental/Loans

Thanks for the kind offer JMC. But my hook-up to and from are all balanced. But I am very grateful for the kind offer.

Onhwy... wish I could. But between my SO, kids and job, my stereo is what keeps me fom climbing tall towers. And no, I do not work for the US Postal service.

Lostbears, you gave me an idea. I bought the Ref 5 off A'gon, but I bought my VS-115 and PH-8 from the same dealer. Maybe he'd do me a favor. If I don't ask, I know what the answer will be. Thanks.

Thanks Guys. All good suggestions. I'm sure the Best Buy suggestion was made with good intentions, but that idea is not my style. I'm hoping my dealer comes back to me. I sent the message a day or so ago. Maybe he'll come back to me tomorrow.

Pbnaudio: I took a pass at 2 options. Option 1- I had to send the Ref 5 to an ARC dealer who in turn would send it to ARC. He said he would send me a pre as a loaner. Too much trouble dealing with common carriers and it would have extended the whole process because of the time lost dealing with the dealer. Option 2 - a local audio guy agreed to rent me a Classe pre for $100. That option is open, but I've been too busy to drive to his store, which is 45 mins away. Bottom line is that I just sent the Ref 5 to ARC and the factory took delivery yesterday. I'm hoping ARC can do the turn-a-round within a week. Meanwhile, my rig is "Out of Order" and my wife is happy and I am sad. :>(

Eearl: I signed up ONE YEAR ago. I was #4 on the list at that time. The reason for the delay was supplier problems. Kal explained that a key supplier's factory burned down and ARC was having difficulties getting critical parts -- just enough to meet current production demands, but not enough to do upgrades. My suggestion is to call Kal. The situation may be corrected and turn-a-round may be improved. I wish you luck.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting to get mt Ref 5 SE back. I've been assured by others that the improvement will be worth the bucks and wait. I'm dubious. I've come to believe that further improvements will cost disproportionate amount of bucks -- law of diminishing returns. As I mentioned before, future bucks will be spent on picking up new LPs and CDs, and maybe trying out a new carty. In the meantime, I will listen to music and stop listening to equipment.