ARC REF 6 upgraded by ARC.

Yes ,tubes are tested and replaced if necessary for a fee@150 per tube.Company prefers that you send in old tubes for upgrade, as Tube availability  is scarce these days. only big tube 6550 is included free of charge in upgrade.

$5000 to upgrade for how much gain in sound? NO THANK YOU!!!

$5,000 upgrade to have each hour thereafter sound better the larger cost of trading in, well worth it to me. Ultimately it’s going to cost less that $.50 per hour.  I have heard the difference between the Ref 3 phono stage and the Ref 3SE. I already have a REF6SE… so do not need the upgrade. 

I agree with others that suggest waiting until the receiver/bankruptcy thing is clarified or otherwise taken care of.  It all could turn out to be fine, or not. If it does not turn out OK you could possibly lose your preamp in the event of a collapse.  

I would recommend you wait it out at least until the May 17 court date when things may be somewhat clarified.  There is no downside to waiting that is obvious to me.