I can't see buying a new one when you can pick up a mint condition Ref-5se for about 7000.00. And I doubt they are selling close out one's for 40 percent off retail. |
Well sooner or later (sooner I expect), dealers are going to have to clear out their stock of REF 5SEs in order to make room both physically and financially for the REF 6 pre-amp. So, I do expect that dealers are going to offer the units at very close to what they actually paid AR for them. Also, once a unit is discontinued, AR's mandates on strict pricing controls go out the window and dealers can then sell for whatever they want.
So, first I expect to see customers buying the REF 6 and selling their REF 5 or REF 5SE units. Then I expect customer pressure and financial and space pressure to force dealers to clear out their REF 5SE units.
To me, the REF 3, REF 5 (not that much better than the REF 3) and REF 5SE (definitely better than the REF 3) will be excellent units to own and with the introduction of the REF 6, it will offer some the opportunity to upgrade to the REF 5SE.
Since audio reproduction perfection isn't here yet, this type of upgrades and new offerings will never go away. And that's okay.
Manufacturers cannot become stagnant. I have no problem with them continuing to try to better the industry and hobby.
enjoy |
I did notice the new Ref6 is absent the unity gain as a designated input. I tried to download the manual but it isn't loaded on the ARC website yet. As far as the new look I saw the GS series at RMAF and sorry, I prefer the older look. This is too Euro for me and they deleted the option of the black case plate, which I realize would probably not look good. All based on my taste of course. But bottom line it better sound great, I estimate the REF 6 will come in at 14K US. I suppose the LS28 will have the same look or very similar. |
I am getting my new Ref5SE next week. Check with your dealers about closeout pricing.
Et88b
10-27-15: Minorl
Well sooner or later (sooner I expect), dealers are going to have to clear out their stock of REF 5SEs in order to make room both physically and financially for the REF 6 pre-amp. So, I do expect that dealers are going to offer the units at very close to what they actually paid AR for them. Also, once a unit is discontinued, AR's mandates on strict pricing controls go out the window and dealers can then sell for whatever they want.
I just happened to call my dealer and ask if he even had a Ref5 SE. First answer was, "yes". The second question from me was, "what color". It was black as I had hoped for. When he told me the price, I could not believe it! I am picking up the new one today, and returning the silver one they loaned me. Good things come to those who wait sometimes? |
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Common. Tell us the price. I'm dying to know.
enjoy |
I found out today my dealer who is only 8 miles away have
already sold 3 Ref 6 preamps. I
definitely paid under 10K for a new unit! |
Statman,
Are you saying you bought a new ref-6 for 10k? That would be 30 percent off retail. I can't imagine ARC offering a 30 percent discount on a new product. If you are talking about buying a new ref-5se for 10k. That still doesn't make sense to me when many are available at 7000.00 to 7500.00 with low hours and mint condition. If you bought a used one there would be very little downside if you were going to sell it in the next couple of years. |
Taters,
No, per the previous post above. I bought a new in box Ref
5SE in black for under 10K. |
Not a bad deal at all.With a warranty,its got to be good,imo |
Anyone else here have the new "6"?
If so, comment about its sound and presentation.
Otherwise, the REF5 SE is going to be very tough to beat (no pun), especially, when fitted w/ REF XL or OPUS cabling via Transparent.
Later on, will we see/hear a Ref 6 SE model?
Keep me posted & Happy Listening! |
Have Ref6's started shipping? If so, any impressions?
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Bump; has anyone heard the 6? |
Yes, I got my Ref6 last week. It is significantly more detailed and "musical" than my Ref5se was. It feels faster, and more musically communicative. It actually seems like they could have charged quite a bit more for these improvements. Every song has details never heard before. I had no idea there was still so much information to be revealed.
Honestly, I was quite happy with my 5se. But this is really quite an improvement.
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Thanks! for sharing- dbarger
what other gear is in your system, including cabling?
Happy Listening! |
It's amazing how AR brings more detail and musicality on each upgrade every 3 years. Can you imagine 20 years from now you will be able to hear a fart out of silence.
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jafant, the preamp feeds a Ref75se. I find Nordost works well with ARC. |
TY- dbarger.
Keep me posted & Happy Listening! |
Quite stunningly musical for the new ARC Ref 6 which outperformed my previous both VAC Signature MKIIa preamp and MBL 6010D by a wide margin. I could not believe my own ears of the different in sound quality what the Ref 6 could bring. The only other time that I heard a preamp that as fully satisfied as this is the $66K VAC Statement Line Preamplifier. |
Thanks! for sharing- lindemann001
this really says much, as the VAC, is no slouch. What other gear and cabling is in your system? |
I am currently running AC Genesis speakers, Pass Labs XA200.5 mono blocks and Wadia S7i cd player with complete loom of High Fidelity CT-1 Ultimate Reference cabling throughout with great success. I got a photo posted in the virtual systems section. |
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