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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.

Ag insider logo xs@2xfooolish1
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jafant
10,525 posts
 
I wonder if the Ref6 is on par with the Ref40 ?
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,486 posts
 
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..ditto dbarger
.
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fooolish1 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks all very helpful but no one has really described the sound to me..how does it outline images in three dimensional space...are the outlines really sharp with the right sense of scale? what about its tonality? stage depth and width, mid-range, female voices,? I've always considered AR as close to solid state as you can get from tube gear..but then again, Ive never owned only heard it at a show or a dealer..

johnclemonsj
6 posts
 
I've never owned AR before,always was very much impressed with their sound at the store.So broke down and bought reference 210's and have just bought ref.5se.here in a week.Anyone have this trio,and will I be a happy camper.Hope so,looks like ramen noodles for about a month,sure hope they're worth it.I was getting fat anyway.
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