Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

Teflon caps take forever to open up. A review now or any comparison at this early a stage is pointless and honestly misleading. I don't trust anyone reviewing a product within the1st week it is in house. Just moving it around requires time for the equipment to settle in.

FYI: called ARC and put my name on the list for the SE upgrade. Cal said ARC will start working the upgrade list in late January. Cost TBD, but not cheap. The only concern I have is how much I will benefit from the upgrade in light of my source gear and amp. Take a look at my system. I'd appreciate any advice offered.

Cool

I have the VS115 and love it. It was paired w/ Ref2 mk2 and Wilson Duettes..

Your system is resolving enough to benefit from SE upgrade.

I will say that upgrading to Ref150 amp would be bigger improvement but likely more $$$ even netting sale of 115. I am matching the Ref5SE with the 150 in my cabin...Here are some pics of the system wher I put the ref phono SE and ref 250s. Also compares my 2 TTs...go to my gallery and look at media room. Started with ref 150 in there but switched to 250s

http://gallery.me.com/npdomino/100048

Remember you do already have a great system...may make sense to take upgrade money and put into more vinyl. I am using 2012 to rebalance my software spend

>>The only concern I have is how much I will benefit from the upgrade in light of my source gear and amp. Take a look at my system. I'd appreciate any advice offered.<<

On the flip side of Tylercoupe's comment, imo, your system could benefit more with an upgrade from the PH7 to the Ref Phono 2 (SE or original) than from the REF5 to the REF5 SE. Among other things that allows running a fully balanced system and would be a decision independent of amp/speaker synergy. My rig went from the PH7 to the RP2 and I have not looked back. My preference is to evolve my system such that no one component steps well beyond others - but that's just me and not a criticism of the positive 5SE move. Again, different dollars of course.

Jtimothya, fair comment. I have a feeling that RP2 units will start to hit the market after the RP2 SE is released. Cal told me that the Ref 5 is being discontinued and being replaced by the SE. I surmise the same with the RP2. Right now, the delta between the PH7 and RP2 is still pretty wide. Hopefully, the gap will close a bit when the SE hits the market.