2. amps-preamps
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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 tsushima1

tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
I tend to go with the 'save a little more and stretch for the 5se' advice.

statman...If you haven't already? I would highly  recommend replacing the  7amp Slo Blo with an Synergistic Red, and the Sovtek 6550 with an NOS or 100%er GE 6550, IMHO the Sovtek sounds hard, glassy and 2 dimensional *In comparison*


tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
tomic601.... an General Electric 6550A measuring ideally 100% emissions.

taters.... My apologies, I was still in Ref10 mode, USA Ref5se takes a 5 amp slow.
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
I tend to recommend the GE 6550A as it is to me the best *All Rounder* its accuracy and neutrality certainly makes an excellent choice for Classical, Rock, Popular, Singer Songwriter, Film Scores etc .etc.

Were I to be contemplating an evening of Sinatra, Ella, Lady Sings The Blues, Jazz, Blues, etc. Etc. then I might swap out the GE for an Tung Sol Solid Gray Plate or an late 50's Black, introducing a touch more palpability, Tonal density and Harmonic bloom 
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