Taters ... how did you come to learn that ARC discontinued the Ref Phono 2 SE?
It doesn't surprise me. I surmise that ARC will change over all of its Ref source products in light of the circuit topology change made with Ref 6, namely the 6 audio tube (6H30) configuration. My guess is that the next to go will be the Ref CD-9.
This will be a good time to pick up some great gear at a great price.