Yes, I have a Audio Reserch Ref 3. I could not be happier. It really mates well with my ARC REF 6SE. I have had ARC phonostages since the ARC PH 2 was new.
My last generation system had a Pass 350x amp and a Sim Moon DAC. The positive changes in my system were so fundamentally profound when I swapped the amp for the ARC REF 160m and again to the ARC REF CD9 DAC. The whole system took on a natural musicality and overall sonic character that is absolutely magical. The amazing bonus has been my analog and digital end sound the same (you have to have the right cartridge of course). So, I no longer need to keep thinking… wish I was listening to analog when listening to streaming. I can’t tell the difference. They both sound fantastic.
I can’t understate the synergy of all ARC together. It really brings home these guys know what they are doing in crafting the sound at all levels and nuance to capure the musical essence… and in each component… like the Phonostage and DAC having the same character and resolution.