Audio Research Ref 6 vs 6SE

Audio Research Reference 160m monoblocks or REF160s stereo. Before this I paired with a Pass 350. The REF 160 is just completely different and better in every way on my system. 

I have the Ref 6 paired with a Bryston 4b cubed.

Would appreciate feedback on successful amp pairings to the ref6.

 

Thanks

I have used ARC, Upscale, and The Tube Store. For my ARC equipment I usually go to ARC. They have meticulous break in procedures, and also, I like to support the company. But you can save some money going to Upscale. 

i got my recent set from Johnny R @audioconnection , great service and tubes

I apologize for hi-jacking the thread but I am approaching 1500 hours on my Ref 6 and will be buying 6H30PI's. Seems like my choices are ARC and Upscale. Any other suggestions for top quality versions of this tube?
I love Upscale for tubes so I will probably just pull the trigger with them. They offer an "ARC selection" grade but are out of stock of EH version and just have the Sovtek version (which is likely fine). 

I have heard nothing but good things about Trent. He explained their metal remote manufacturer had suddenly stopped making them or when they out of business. He wants to have hands on control of the company. I think the stint with MacIntosh may have been a good thing… they are finally using contemporary electronic design and layout equipment. But he is not a large corporation… he want excellence. I think the divorce will be good. He immediately promised me metal remotes for my components when I complained about the plastic ones. 

I don't understand all this McIntosh talk. https://www.whathifi.com/us/news/audio-research-sold-by-mcintosh-group-to-former-sales-director

@audioconnection Good to hear about the metal remotes, I was worried there for a few hours ...

(((The Ref 6E did use that cheesy plastic remote (thanks McIntosh group).
The 6 has a nice aluminum remote -))) Plaw so does now the Ref 6 SE
 this had nothing to do with the prior ownership.The Vendor who made the metal remotes was incapable to perform service.
This has now been fixed and original 6 SE owners can get their metal remotes.  My take performance wise is the Ref 6SE offers you improved bass performance and ties into the mid bass better then ever before with the new board layout , latest Cap Tech, brings a vivid liveliness,while maintaining all of the ARC ref series unique 3 dimensional floating ability which makes all ARC Ref pre amps special. Best JohnnyR

To spend five figures or not spend five figures on a preamifier, that is the question!

I have the Ref 6, and have heard the Ref 6SE at the dealer - now I did not do a true A/B, but I can’t say as I can hear any difference. The Ref 6E did use that cheesy plastic remote (thanks McIntosh group). The 6 has a nice aluminum remote - and who knows what else. I upgraded from an LS27 that I loved, and the Ref 6 was better - not sure if it was $10,000 dollars worth though. What I was shocked at was Rowland amps - wow - lit my system up! I am sure there are a lot more folks here that are more qualified to answer that a/b question. I always wanted to try the Cary Audio SLP-05 - but the REF 6 has given me NO issues, don’t want to fix what ain’t broke. Keep us posted.

Thank you so much for sharing your valuable comments. 

@cclee2022 Check out the "Audio Research Ref 6 SE" thread. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/audio-research-ref-6-se

My initial observations are there. Since that time the unit is almost re-broken-in (483 hours) and has continued to get better. It is had to know exactly though, as I continually make improvements to the system (i.e., LPS for Roon Nucleus and ENO filter, plus more), but those are sudden and there has been a continual improvement that I attribute to the SE upgrade. One of my friends visited and made an unsolicited comment about how great the system sounded (best ever), and he had heard it in the last two rooms, which were significantly better.

"Worth it" is a judgement call that depends on your personal finances and what the cost of other improvements you can make are. I would do it again, and fully recognize there will be a REF7 in a few years.

I upgraded from the ARC REF 5SE to the REF 6SE so I cannot speak from direct experience. Is it worth it? I have read most everything in print on the subject. If your system is at this caliber… then absolutely the sound quality change is substantial. Also, you have a world class preamp… the upgrade helps maintain its value and will sound better. There is another forum, audio aficionado, where many members own this pre amplifier and systems at this level. There are a number of threads on the subject.



Yes, it is done at factory only. This is also something you want to do while offered. 

ARC updates such as this are usually done only at the factory.

If you want to hear the difference for yourself, you could take your Ref 6 to your dealer and do an A/B comparison with his Ref6SE.

p.s. for those interested in this topic, there is a review:
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/audio_research_reference_6_se.htm