Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

What does everyone notice as the 'break in' process completes somewhere between 300-600 hours with ARC procducts?

I recently purchased both ARC Ref 250 monos and an ARC Ref Phono 2SE to replace a Rowland 302 and Rowland Cadence phono. Still using the Rowland Synergy IIi as I await the funds for a Ref 5SE preamp.

In my system, replacing the Rowland with ARC, I noticed a more open sound, better ambience retrieval of space, more detail. Bass slam was similar. With the Rowland gear, the sound was a tad dark, but with ARC (so far) I'm getting a thinning in the midrange that I miss a bit compared to the midrange solidity of the Rowland. Not sure what synergy I would get with a Ref 5SE to complete the ARC electronics, etc.

Two comments -

First, I have around 150 hours on my Ref 250 amps and my Ref Phono 2SE and what I have noticed is an not so subtle improvement in transparency and sweetness in the highs. The bass out of the box was really great. Right now, it may have toned down a bit in the bass, but having never been a believer in component 'break-in', I am really starting to become a believer now.

Second, Bifwynne, I am contemplating replacing my Rowland Synergy Iii with a Ref 5SE to have an all ARC system. I also use a REL Gilbraltar sub with only a load of 10K ohms. I don't like hooking the sub up to the amps, so I run it through the preamp main out. Based on what you described in your previous post, would that be a problem for the Ref 5SE?

Bif,
I'm glad I came across this and thanks for your input on the postings regarding the impedance buffer from Tom Tutay.

Here is what I got:

Main 1 (ARC Ref 250) 200,000 ohms X Main 2 (REL Gibraltar Sub) 10,000 ohms/(Ref 250) 200,00 ohms + (REL G1) 10,000 ohms = 9,524 ohms.

This is below the recommended. I would run both mains out balanced (with balanced to single ended Cardas adaptors at the main out from the preamp) but it still is below the recommended 20K ohms for the Ref 5SE.

I really wanted to go all ARC for synergy, but I'm not sure anymore.

When I replace my Synergy IIi with an ARC Ref 5SE, I will call Tom and let him know my situation. Again, glad I cam across this post.