Audio Research Ref 5 preamp

09-21-09: Macdadtexas
After reading this I realize that the Ref3 I have listened to and coveted, over my Cary preamp, is really a piece of audio-crap and anyone who owns one should be embarrassed.

I realize this comment is in jest, but in all seriousness in my system the ARC Ref3 was not all it's cracked up to be, IMO.

I had lusted after the Ref3 for three years since reading the plethora of gushing reviews.

Actually hearing it was akin to entering the carnival sideshow in anticipation of seeing the amazing bearded lady only to discover she was actually a bearded old man in lipstick and a gingham dress.

I auditioned it against a Lamm L2 Reference, and the Lamm was so clearly superior to my ears (and to the ears of a close friend who is familair with my system, and to the guy who subsequently bought my Ref3 and sold it a week later) that I sold the ARC Ref3 the following day. And yes, it was thoroughly broken in and yes the tubes were fresh with only 650 hours on them.

The ARC Ref3 was bland and uninvolving, while the Lamm had jump and life (while remaining tonally balanced).

Before I get flamed, please keep in mind that I am only speaking from my experience with my system and my ears. In others' systems, the Ref3 may be sublime...but not in mine.

Hello David...I do apologize for my meandering prose. I was just going out of my way not to offend anyone that has the ability to obtain any audio products at favorable industry accommodation discount pricing...it tends to make the eventual switching cost proposition very close to cash-flow neutral. A great place to be...if and when you can get it!

all this ref3/ref5 hoo haa makes me want to trade in my Mac c2300.......for a c500!!!!
whew.
Pepe

Hi Tvad,

just as I mentioned earlier:

"In my experience pre-amps are more sensitive to system differences and contexts except speakers, than most other components including amps and front ends, so all this is FWIW."

That said, the Lamm L2 Ref and L1 for that matter are amazing pre-amps and it is no surprise that someone might prefer them to the Ref 3. The 5 is enough better than the 3 that I think it would be closer and may come down to system contexts.

For instance, I borrowed a Luxman CD/SACD player while I had the Ref 3 and literally could not use it because the gain mismatch (CD output was too low). With all the input/output sensitivity issues between pre and amp, then CD and pre the variables are paramount ahead of design and raw performance differences. That is why trying everything in one's own system is so important.

Vladimir makes great products across the board, can't go wrong there.

Unoear,

I appreciate your sensitivity in explaining the economics. That was some pretty nice dancing! :o)

Actually, I did go a couple grand out of pocket and I sent the 3 in for new tubes and a thorough check up before selling it--another $500, So, add that to my wife-altered budget and it was a tidy little sum to buy the new model.

Also, I was careful to qualify my statements as to Ref 3 to 5 value given my unique circumstances and stated:

"Put in perspective, the differences are obvious and ___well worth the increase in retail price (to me)___, but impressions may vary from system to system depending on context.

My only sensitivity here was having motives questioned or some inference that my comments were protecting an "ego" related purchase. If Dev says that comment was not directed at my mini-review I'll accept that fwiw.