2. amps-preamps
  3. 118928-3663

Audio Research Ref. 3, Ref. 5, or the Ref. 5se.

I am looking to add a Audio Research preamp. Looking at the Ref. 3,5,5se. The 5se is a bit high in price.

I have a Wadia S7i CDP up front with Pass Labs XA100.8 amps. I am using Vandersteen Quarto Wood CT speakers. Witch Audio Research would make the best sense to go with.


Thanks for the help Russ.

russb
taters
1,149 posts
 
No one can answer the question is it worth the extra money but you. On the used market you are looking about a 3000.00 difference in price between the Ref-5Se and the Ref-3. Like everything thing in audio it is all subjective
jafant
10,525 posts
 

Russb-


I would not settle for any model less than the Ref3 SE.

Clearly, the best is the Ref5 SE. At any rate, try the pre-amp in your system, your room prior to any purchase. Keep me posted & Happy Listening!

taters
1,149 posts
 
I think the Ref-3se is extremely rare. In fact I don't think I have ever seen one for sale.
bifwynne
2,069 posts
 

Agree with David12 comments about the differences between the Ref 3, 5 and 5 SE. I owned all three and currently still own the  Ref 5 SE.  The only caveat I have is that all the ARC Ref preamps require that the input impedance of the amp NOT be less than 20,000 ohms. 

I too never heard about a Ref 3 SE model, although I understand that ARC made about 2 dozen  Ref 3 LE versions, which had upgraded coupling caps.

I am a big fan of ARC gear.  I suspect that any of the Ref preamps will match just fine with the rest of your system, which is very impressive.  Just confirm that the Pass input impedance is over 20K ohms.

Btw, ARC just released a Ref 6 preamp.  I surmise that the release of the new model will put a downward pressure on preowned Ref 5 SE pricing .... but in any case, if you can stretch a bit, IME, I would recommend the Ref 5 SE.  

Cheers,

BIF





gpgr4blu
810 posts
 
The Ref 5se was significantly better than the Ref 5. It added heft to the images (only after hearing the Ref 5se does one realize that the Ref 5 is a bit too diaphanous) and made the presentation more natural in every way. Do NOT miss the opportunity to get a used 5se if you can.
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