2. amps-preamps
  3. 118928-3663

Audio Research Ref. 3, Ref. 5, or the Ref. 5se.

I am looking to add a Audio Research preamp. Looking at the Ref. 3,5,5se. The 5se is a bit high in price.

I have a Wadia S7i CDP up front with Pass Labs XA100.8 amps. I am using Vandersteen Quarto Wood CT speakers. Witch Audio Research would make the best sense to go with.


Thanks for the help Russ.

russb

Showing 3 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 

Agree with David12 comments about the differences between the Ref 3, 5 and 5 SE. I owned all three and currently still own the  Ref 5 SE.  The only caveat I have is that all the ARC Ref preamps require that the input impedance of the amp NOT be less than 20,000 ohms. 

I too never heard about a Ref 3 SE model, although I understand that ARC made about 2 dozen  Ref 3 LE versions, which had upgraded coupling caps.

I am a big fan of ARC gear.  I suspect that any of the Ref preamps will match just fine with the rest of your system, which is very impressive.  Just confirm that the Pass input impedance is over 20K ohms.

Btw, ARC just released a Ref 6 preamp.  I surmise that the release of the new model will put a downward pressure on preowned Ref 5 SE pricing .... but in any case, if you can stretch a bit, IME, I would recommend the Ref 5 SE.  

Cheers,

BIF





bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Wlutke ... as a former owner of the Ref 3, let me go on record that I think and always thought it was a terrific linestage ... no qualifications.  I think the Ref 3 **IS** a bargain and it still holds its value on the preowned market.  There are (were) a couple of Ref 3s for sale on A'gon in the $5K range and they are, as stated, holding their value.      
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Russ ... as I said above, the Ref 3 is a fine linestage ... no quibbles there.  That said, if you can stretch for the bucks, I think the Ref 5 SE is better ... that's all.
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