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Whest MC REF V - my new christmas present

Well I took the plunge and ordered the new MC REF V version 4.
I had one in my system for about a week and was totally bowled over with just how it plays. Yes it's MUCH better than the RDT Special Edition in every area but what I found is that the 30R and RDT are related sound-wise, whereas the RDT Special Edition is MORE related to the MC REF V.

After having the unit in for a week and experiencing real 'music' I got in contact with James at Whest Audio. He put me on to this - his distributor in Singapore (Modular Audio) has just taken delivery of the MC REF V MK4 and this is what they had to say:

'I am very happy to tell you the MC Ref V sounded awesome even I am at the early stage of run-in. Many customers were dropping jaws how a phonostage could transform our showroom main system. Compare to the RDT, it is certainly a few steps up in terms of sonic qualities. To me, I felt it is
really organic and as near as one could get from the original masters. This is the best phono stage I have heard so far - and in my years of playing, I've heard most of the the best brands out there. Two thumbs up!'

I felt pretty much the same thing. It's more organic and 'real' and seems to just get out of the way. Even with my current setup, the performance upgrade is a huge step up. Far bigger than I thought possible. It has made me realise that I have been upgrading cartridges much sooner than I needed to! I could have stayed with my old Linn Troika and still ended up with a great sound. The MC REF V really brings out the very best of what you have - and more.

It should be with me in about 3 weeks, I can't wait.
dcarol

Showing 8 responses by petng

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petng
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Do you know the difference between the mark 3 and the mark 4? I have been lucky to have the Ref V mark 3 for 4 months now. Absolutely over the moon with the purchase. In fact its the most expensive piece of equipment in my system, but the benefits it gives to vinyl reproduction is sublime.

The only disappointment was when i registered the unit for warranty, i got an email from James saying that a new model was coming out and that he could upgrade it for me for $$$$$$

petng's avatar
petng
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Ouch!!!! i see the new price is $19950!!!!! I wonder if that is just a marketing gimmick or that is the real price.

A $8000 jump in price is quite extreme.
petng's avatar
petng
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Dcarol, which version of the Ref V did you have at home? How did you obtain it?
petng's avatar
petng
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My unit was the only one in Australia, the manufacturer date was Oct 2009.

What was the UK price of the Mk 3.

I still find it hard to believe that they have increased the already expensive price by 67%!!!!
petng's avatar
petng
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As if there isn't enough mark up already !!
petng's avatar
petng
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Maybe it's a ploy where the dealer will sell it for $12,000 thus making it seem like you have purchased a bargain. It works!!!!

Mind you I am not degrading the mc ref. It's one of my best purchases. Also by making the new pricing $20k, I probably make a handsome profit if I ever decide to sell.

Btw the Uk pricing, is it for the old ref v mk 3? Some of the uk websites look like they have not been updated.
petng's avatar
petng
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Dcarol, which version did you audition? I know you are getting the mk 4
petng's avatar
petng
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I am using Supra Lo Rad power cables on mine at the moment.
There was a photo of whats inside a Ref V on the net awhile ago, but i cant seem to find it. It showed that it was packed with boards galore. Differently a different beast to the 30 rdt. The only thing that looks alike is the case.

The review of the the Whest Ref V is spot on. Music just explodes from complete darkness. It sounds alive. Previously i have a Slee Audio, then a JLTI , then a RCM Phono, then Cary 301 with different step up transformers. The Whest is in a completely different class to the previous phonos.

I feel the same as you Dcarol, the Whest is a bargain compared to upgrading cartridges. If i had the Whest earlier on, i probably would have settled for a cheaper cartridge and arm.

Btw my front end consists of Zyx 4D cartridge, Kuzma 313vta, DPS3 turntable
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