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Audio Research Reference 5 SE Preamps For Sale?

Why are there so many ARC Ref 5 SE preamps for sale lately? Is there something that I don't know? I have been very impressed with this preamp in the past and have always kept an eye out for a good used one. There were 5 of them on Gon at one time not too long ago! Is there a particular reason why people are unloading them at this time? Thank you
keithmundy
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
11-11-15: Dweller
"Anyone know the asking price for a Ref-6?"

$14,000 is the price I have heard.
keithmundy's avatar
keithmundy OP
106 posts
 
Thanks you guys for the responses. I have a buddy with a Ref 5 SE and I was amazed by the soundstage that, that sucker threw! I hated to ask the questions because I have seen those types of questions before - "why are there so many ______ for sale" but I was truly amazed by the number of Ref 5's on Gon and thought that there might be something going on that I did not know about. I know that they have the new G series out, but I'm not up to speed on that series. Thank you all for the responses.
dweller's avatar
dweller
2,152 posts
 
Thanks MoFi...
statman's avatar
statman
282 posts
 
I purchased one a few weeks ago brand new from a dealer for under 10k easily. I am almost at 200 hours of tube usage now. Before that plateau it sounded good but a bit flat in it's ability to reveal those holographic images. This preamp is just what I needed to complete my system! Keithmundy is correct, it has a huge sound stage. I am finally starting to hear the separation and three dimensional depth on recordings now. Midrange and highs are so sweet. Bass is solid and more than enough to satisfy my ears.
tjassoc
113 posts
 
Anyone see the Ref 6?

It's ugly - REALLY UGLY!
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