AR ref2 mk1 or ref 3

I own the Ref 3 and prior to that the Ref2 Mk ll. The former was a super preamp however IMO the Ref3 is in a league of its own. Simply put, it is the best preamp I have ever owned.

I have owned 3 ARC linestages, and listened to several more extensively. As Oneobgyn says, the Ref3 is such a leap, there should be no question which to choose. I now own the Ref3.

There is no doubt that I am partial because I own the Ref 3 but simply put I have never experienced music in such a fashion as with the Ref 3. Be prepared I am sure for the proverbial ARC Mk l, Mk ll etc upgrades but honestly right now, this is as good as it gets.

If there is any flaw it is the slight noise emitted when the LCD sceen is on. My advice is to mute this which is very easy to do with the remote. The screen will always illuminate briefly when you use the remote to change a track or function etc.