ARC Phono Ref 2 SE - Dealer Demo Unit Worth Price?


The local ARC dealer I've purchased from many times over the years is about to move to a new location and has offered me a deal on a Phono Ref 2 SE he's had in his demo rack. He retubed the unit a while ago and the tubes now have about 1400 hours on them. Is $10K a good price for this? I've been saving for the Phono 8 which is just $2k shy of what he's asking.

For what it's worth, I'm running a VPI Classic 3 with Dynavector DV-20X2H, ARC LS-27 pre and Ayre VX-R amp into Vandersteen 5A speakers.
cosinaro

Showing 3 responses by cosinaro

True, not a GREAT deal, but good enough for me to go for it. I got a nearly-new Ref 2 SE with 1430 hours on it AND with over a year's warranty remaining, for just about 29% off the retail price. I'm not complaining.
Thanks for the quick responses! I realize the Ref2 outclasses the 20X2 in a big way and agree that if I do get the Ref2 I'll be looking at the 20X2 as the newest "weakest link".

I'll be speaking with my dealer tomorrow and will see just how low he's willing to go.

I'm not familiar with the Aesthetix but will start researching and looking for a local dealer who sells the brand.
After meeting with the dealer and wringing a better deal out of him, I have pulled the trigger on the Ref 2 SE. He gave me another $500 off and threw in some new AudioQuest balanced interconnects (worth another $525 if you believe in the price/value equation for high-end cables).

Funny thing, as he walked me to my car he said "you'll be back for a new cartridge soon". I think he is dead right.

I've read reviews that rave about "holographic soundstage" etc but never really got it b/c I've never experienced it. But I have now.

I'll be posting for sale a barely used Dynavector P75 Mk3 on AG in a few days.