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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
russb OP
91 posts
 

I just asked him that question today and he is a firm believer in having a preamp.(tube). He use to be a ARS Dealer.
 He is know a VTL dealer. He wants to sell me a VTL 5.5. I would rather go with a ARS product used.


Russ

taters
1,149 posts
 
Do you mean ARC?

jafant's avatar
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Nice russ-

I would like to demo the VTL someday...
bifwynne
2,069 posts
 
Wlutke ... as a former owner of the Ref 3, let me go on record that I think and always thought it was a terrific linestage ... no qualifications.  I think the Ref 3 **IS** a bargain and it still holds its value on the preowned market.  There are (were) a couple of Ref 3s for sale on A'gon in the $5K range and they are, as stated, holding their value.      
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
There is a REF 3 at the ARC dealer in WA DC for $5k.....
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