Has anyone heard the Ref 3?

Just curious if anyone has had the opportunity to copare Audio Research's new Ref 3 preamp with the older Ref 1 or Ref 2 or even LS 25 Mk II.

kinsekd09-15-2005 3:44pm

kinsekd OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 252 posts 11-06-2005 at 04:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Guidocorona, It did come with the 6550 and the caps. It is without question the best preamp I have ever heard. I have it hooked up to an ARC VT 200 driving Maggie 1.6's. I listen to phono at about 72, cd at 65.
kinsekd OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 252 posts 10-06-2005 at 11:02am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Looks like I'm getting a Ref 3. Thank goodness for stock options. :o)
kinsekd OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 252 posts 10-21-2005 at 07:11pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I ordered mine yesterday. Stay tuned...
kinsekd OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 252 posts 11-01-2005 at 11:28am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Ref 3 came in yesterday. Got it unpacked, tubed, and hooked it up last night. At least to the Ref Phono. Right out of the box, it blew the ARC LS 25 mk ii away. There is so much more acoustical information on all the instruments. And so much air around each. The timbral accuracy is uncanny. Can't wait to get it fully broken in.