My #@%$ Cat Destroyed My ARC REF 5SE. Soliciting Suggestions.

Sorry to hear about your troubles, David. From another cat lover, I feel your pain.
To those who are offering advice/reasons for behavior, though well intentioned, you may want to ask David whether he would like/need the advice. I mention this because, if unwanted or unneeded, that advice can feel like a lecture.
To those who are basically saying, "It serves you right", you need to reexamine how you treat others. That kind of behavior is childish and uncharitable.
I agree with gktaudio & teo_audio. I’ve worked in a business that designs and manufactures laboratory test equipment for the past 30 years, and 20 of that was on the bench doing electronic, mechanical, and optical systems repair. I’ve seen it all, and there’s not much that can’t be fixed. Parts can be replaced (if available), repair wires can be run, parts/boards can be scrubbed. The challenge will be finding a shop that is willing to take on the task, and if you can, I can’t imagine this repair coming anywhere near 6k. I wish you the best of luck!

Unless parts are unobtainable, anything can be repaired.  It's just up to you whether it is worth it to do so.  If it was me, I wouldn't hesitate.  You would spend approximately the same for a used REF 5SE vs getting this one repaired. 

I would bite the bullet (never understood what that means) and get it repaired.  But, that's me.  

As for the cat, well, you have received lots of "advice" from cat lovers and non cat lovers alike.

Take your choice. However, this is a part of the family and an animal.  They, like children are trainable and will let you know when they are unhappy.  I would never allow a cat anywhere near my audio equipment.  But, that's me.  This is what happens when you have pets that aren't trained, or want attention.  Well, it got your attention.

My question to you is, what are you going to do about cat so this can't happen again?  no joke.  The cat (like children) must learn that it isn't okay to do this.  So, what will you do?  If you do nothing, then the cat (like children) will run your house.  

If the urine problem was that severe, which I doubt, I would get a new stuffed board and you are done.   First, since this is what I do also, I would inspect the board and diagnose the problem and try to fix it before replacing the board.

I'm not a cat person.  But, I've lived with them and know they have attitudes and issues like any other animal.  But, if you don't teach this cat to never do this again, then guess what?  it will.  

So, here are your options.

1.  Sell the pre-amp as-is with full disclosure.
2.  Buy a used REF 5SE or better yet, just get a used REF 6, or
3.  Keep the pre-amp as a paper weight and go to 2, or
4.  keep the pre-amp and get it repaired.
5.  Train that cat!!!!!!!!  Because if this happens again or something similar, then it really is your fault.

Anything is repairable. 

enjoy

Kill the damn cat. Buy another unit.

I thought everyone find's their way here from the Love of music. Music Lover's have a good heart. Obviously not this above guy! Please make your sixth post your last post. 😼

Did your cat tell you it was raining?