Audio Research Ref 5 SE

Just a guess. The Ref 10 series, with its $30K price tag, is directed for an extremely upscale market. Hence, I don't think it's relevant to include the Ref 10 and Ref 5 in the same conversation.

As far as the Ref 5 is concerned, as I said I have no inside clue about what's coming off the line at ARC. But here's my guess. The Ref 5 is a discontinued model, replaced by the Ref 5 SE, which I think was released in late 2011/early 2012. IOW, the Ref 5 SE IS the "Ref 6." Will there be a "real" Ref 6? I think yes. When? Maybe after the Ref 5 SE has run its course, possibly 2015 or so.

Just thinking out loud here about the Ref 10 series, priced at $30K. It's hard to believe that there's much of a market for gear at that price point. But maybe there is when one considers that there's a market for $100K+ Magicos and the like. Personally, even if I could afford to drop the change, I'm not sure I would. I think the bottleneck is the quality of source music.

In this situation I'd consider buying one used to minimize the potential pain if you can find one. Best of luck.

05-16-13: Bifwynne
Just thinking out loud here about the Ref 10 series, priced at $30K. It's hard to believe that there's much of a market for gear at that price point. But maybe there is when one considers that there's a market for $100K+ Magicos and the like.

That is obviously where the market is headed as the economy continues to squeeze out the middle class. Most high end companies top of the line prices have more than doubled in the last few years. VAC just introduced their new "Statement" line that cost about $50,000 per unit!!!

The high end is sailing up, up and away!! Lucky few that can afford the best now. :)

"I think the bottleneck is the quality of source music" I agree 100%.

There must be a market they just came out with a 30k phono stage to go with their 30k line stage. I'm sure the next thing coming is a 30k Dac or 100k monoblocks.