2. amps-preamps
  3. 1444543472

ARC ref 5SE current or past owners

Hi
I have an option of buying a preowned ref5SE.
My amps are the Audionet MAX and my natural choice would be the Audionet top of the line pre but I don't have where to audition.
My current pre is the MBL based MC601 by music culture technologies.
I never thought I will go for a tube pre again but I can audition the ref5 probably next week so I will give it a shot.
What should I expect from the ref5 Se?
Previous owners - which pre replaced it and why?
Did anyone compare it to Audionet pre G2 by any chance ?
Thanks in advance to all repliers.
icorem

Showing 1 response by tomic601

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
love my REF 5 SE
replaced a MAC SS
can not comment on yours or the alternate as have not heard
home auditions in your system near priceless
i had at home Aesthetix, MAC, Ayre, CJ and a few others. System synergy ruled day for me anyway.
IMO ref will benefit some w tube rolling and isolation like HRS Nimbus
BTW get the metal ARC remote and check plexi cover for cracks.
More to discover