Mods for ARC preamp / amp

Smoffatt - What is the REF3LE and how does it differ from the REF5? Thanks.

To Rgurney,
REFERENCE 3 LIMITED EDITION (2009)
The last approximately two dozen REFERENCE 3 preamps built was designated "Limited Edition". It has several unique cosmetic and performance enhancements. Cosmetically, there are natural metallic-finish handles to match the natural anodized Limited Edition front panel (black not available). In addition, the words "Limited Edition" is printed directly below the Audio Research logo on the front panel. Under the cover are higher-performance proprietary output coupling caps that boost the performance of the Limited Edition beyond that of the original version.

It's unclear how many of those 25 units were sent to North American dealers.
Word is very few. Most went to Europe and Asia.

To the rest: If you think your ARC gear (whatever piece you own) sound amazing; think again. To put this into perspective, i just sold my modded PH3SE to a guy in California who had a stock PH3SE. He sent me an email yesterday. See below.

Hi Sly,

Just got the inputs loaded for 125 ohm (what the Shelter 90X likes) on the high level and have it playing now. Definitely and improvement in resolution and the extra gain isn't any noisier so the noise floor is much lower. I'm getting a small amount of hum but that's just working out the grounds and equipment placement.

Cheers,

I have had the following products modded by GNSC with excellent results: ARC sp-11(reference Mod),Wadia Dac 27(Statement mod),Wadia 270(SE & Statement mod). All done with superb workmanship, trust me you will not be disappointed.

Thanks everybody. Seems like there are alot of pros and cons to doing mods to expensive equipment. GNS sounds like they're a pretty reputable company. My concern is if there's aproblem down the road ARC will refuse to work on the unit. Does GNS do repair work on the non-modded parts of the unit. If anyone has had the unfortunate experience of having this happen, let me know.
Thanks,
Erik

GNSC warranty the work they do for one year and they can repair any amps and pre-amps ARC has ever produced. They will not perform mods or repairs on the CD players.
GNSC is not a backyard mickey mouse outfit. They have been in business for many years.
ARC will not refuse to work on a unit that has been modded by GNSC. There is a REF 1 GNSC modded for sale on Agon and the ad says that the unit was looked over by ARC and everything is in perfect working order.
No worries Ebe.