ARC Ref 5se inferior to LS28?

My guess would be dealer speak, though it may also go all the way back to ARC marketing.

I recall when ARC released the LS27 the dealers were all buzzing that it was better than the Ref 3. So it would seem that whatever the current LS step would be will be better than the no longer available Reference level.

I predict that the LS29 will sound better than the Ref 6. That just seems to be ARC’s marketing campaign for years now.

It’s all about moving new stock. Newer is ALWAYS better you know. ;^)

my guess too. keep the product moving with new and improved.

I've often heard that so&so newer LS series is as good as, nearly as good as, or better than Refx (older).

It could be self-serving dealer-speak (discussed in the novel 1984) but it could possibly also be that continued R&D improved the breed.

You'll have to listen yourself and match levels carefully too.