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Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

Just picked up news on another OP that ARC is upgrading the Ref 5 to an SE version that incorporates some of the technology from the Ref 40. The other OP posted the URL link below. Does anyone have any solid information anout this news development? Has anyone heard the Ref 5 SE? Same rumor about an SE version of the Ref Phono 2?

http://artsexcellence-audioresearch.blogspot.com/2011/12/audio-research-reference-5-se.html
bifwynne
darkstar01
15 posts
 
Thanks all for the responses to my question. I am glad to hear the upgrade includes the new look. This will no doubt be my next purchase.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Less than a week and 55 hours later, it's already obvious they've done something special with the SE.

The noise floor seems lowered a fair bit. Where it took me to 50-55 on my old 5 to get some semblance of dynamics, I can now tap happily to the beat and dynamics at 18-20 when I listen late at night. I still listen at 55 during the day so the relative levels appear unchanged.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Where's all the 5SE loving gone? :)
sfstereo
215 posts
 
Maybe they are at the CES drooling over the new ARC REF DAC. I wish I had more time to enjoy my 5SE. I just got a shunyata anaconda cx for my 5SE.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Saw some pics of it at this site:

http://www.my-hiend.com/vbb/showthread.php?5132-2012年-CES-and-T-H-E-SHOW-實況報導&p=164194#post164194

Is that a Media Bridge or DAC?
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