Audio research REF 5 SE / REF 40th Ann compared ?

Let's change the Q. Has anyone critically compared the Ref 5 to the Ref 5 SE version? If so, please share comments. I ask because I am on ARC's wait list for the SE upgrade. At this point, because of component supply issues, ARC will likely not get to me until late summer. Btw, the upgrade isn't cheap: $2500. Is it worth it?

I agree with Theduker. I was about to drop some major bucks into my rig by picking up a pair of Magico S3 or S5 to upgrade my speakers. I think I figured out a way to squeeze a lot more OJ out of my Paradigm S8s (v3) by buying a DEQX Premate.

The short version DEQX explanation is that it corrected time incoherencies inherent in my speakers caused by the common use of passive high order crossovers and driver misalignment. The DEQX also EQ's for room effects on frequency response.

For those interested in learning more about the DEQX device and the importance of time coherence, look over the "Sloped Baffle" and "DEQX Game Changer" threads. For a very good technical explanation of time coherence, check out Roy Johnson's articles on the subject on his Green Mountain Audio website.