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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
the guy who designed and built your speakers thinks pretty highly of the 5 SE
i believe the advice he gave me was along the lines of giant killer...
2640 hours on mine.
ARC bashers for improving the product abound...
if you love your model keep it.
want an upgrade go that route..
my only beef was the cheap plastic remote..i sprung for metal 3 years in....



taters
1,149 posts
 
At a retail price of 13k I don't know how anyone could call it a giant killer. And I am not an ARC basher. I currently own 2 pieces of their gear. 
russb OP
91 posts
 

Hi Guys

I wanted to get input on running my Wadia S7i directly driving my Pass amps. VS. putting in the Audio Research Ref. preamp.


Thanks Russ

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
maybe they were stunted giants Taters.....
Hansen <Ayre> has some interesting things to say about the sonics of skipping the pre but he sells a few preamps.
Best sound I have heard from a Wadia ( which was incredible BTW) was thru a CJ GAT.....
what does your trusted Vandy dealer say Russ ?


russb OP
91 posts
 

I just asked him that question today and he is a firm believer in having a preamp.(tube). He use to be a ARS Dealer.
 He is know a VTL dealer. He wants to sell me a VTL 5.5. I would rather go with a ARS product used.


Russ

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