The ARC Ref5SE is a phenomenal preamplifier, as is its companion Ref Phono 2SE phono stage.
Why Are There So Many Audio Research Reference 5SE's For Sale
Been looking for a tubed preamp with high quality balance capabilities. Was looking at the Ref 5SE's but there seems to be many available. Generally when you see that there is some kind of issue. Sometimes they want to move up the line to the latest or they just arent that good. Case in point when was the last VAC Signature you saw out here. The good stuff seems to be rare and when they show they go fast. Comments and recommendations welcome.
Showing 3 responses by cleeds
nglazer " ... ARC "upgrades" their pre's every ten minutes, thus impairing
the resale value of the ARC pre you own unless you pay for the upgrade." This isn't even remotely accurate. For example, the Ref 5 was introduced in 2009. The SE version went on sale in 2011 and has only just now been superseded. Most ARC gear holds its value quite well, too. Some of that has to do with manufacturer support, some with its serviceability, some with its performance. |