ARC LS-27 or ARC ref-3

I have not compared the Ref 3 with the LS27. I do own an LS27 and I'm super happy with it.

Mike

I'm trying to get my local dealer to loan be an Ls-27. I might just take a shot and buy a Ref-3 here on Audiogon. I'm sure I can always get my cash back if I don't like it.

I was wanting buy a REF3 but after speaking the Dave Gordon and Calvin from ARC at RMAF, I will wait to buy the LS27. The implimentation of improvements they gained in the design of the REF5 have filtered their way into the design of the LS27. From what I understand the power supply alone is better than the one used in the REF3. My local dealer has just sold his LS17se and feels it may rival the performance of the LS26. Those folks at ARC are doing some really great stuff these days.

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Taters, the LS27 may be better than the Reff3, I've never heard the LS27, but the Ref3 is a stellar preamp. You will be very pleased if you buy the Ref3.
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This is puzzling - according to a review in AS, Valin mentioned that he thought the differences between the REF3 and REF 5 were tiny,though he thought the 5 was an improvement (that the 40 anniv really gave him a good feel for the improvments). If the change (or improvement) is slight between the 3 and 5, how slight is the difference between the 27 and 3?

I have heard the ref 3 and LS 26, not in comparison but in seperate systems. Have not heard the 27 or ref5.