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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
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Based on a conversation with Cal at ARC, the SE upgrade should cost $2500. I'm on the upgrade list and sure hope it's worth it.
ollies
10 posts
 
I've been waiting for 8 months now,first part of the year according to David from ARC,but I have heard the wait is more than worth it.I have the older ARC 600 amps that were up graded to MKlll specs that was worth it,shipping them back was a joy?
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I had to wait for the Reference 5SEs had about 380 hours before they began to stabilise. It was great initially, then something sounded off.. then good, then not so good before 380 hours.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Well, a year later, my Ref 5 SE was just delv'd. I've got about 5 or 6 hours on it. ARC also changed out all of the 6H30 tubes too. I won't embarrass myself by sharing reactions yet. Chris Osanna said break-in should take 300 hours on upgraded units. I'll be back. Ok, just one comment -- the SE sounds different than the Ref 5. That it for now.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
.
Be sure to get back here with your review after the break-in, the suspense is killing me.

mitch
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