Audio Research Reference 5 Preamp

To my understanding there were only about 24 made from Ref 3 parts on the shelf. I believe they did some cap upgrades and a few minor tweeks. They were all gone in less than a week.

Samuel, Audiofool has nothing else to do but to critique ours opinions as ethical violations, while ignoring that he never has anything good to say about products he doesn't or cannot sell.

It seems strange to me there still is not a lot of reviews, information, feedback/impressions, comparisons, and professional reviews of this preamp. I mean as far as audio manufactures go, ARC has a pretty big following. Maybe it is just to new, it has only been on the market for about 7-8 months or the price is to high there are not many owners thus less likely hood of people submitting comparisons, reviews, ect... Thoughts?

I have a Ref 5 and plan to write a post, perhaps even a review, about it. The reason I haven't yet is time - both my own time and the time required for burn-in. Perhaps by summer . . .

Look for Martin Colloms review at HifiCritic - 175 points in sound quality, 34% more than the Ref3!
My unit has now 2018 hours and only after I got a phono Ref2 I could see all the potential of the Ref5.

Anyone heard about the Reference 5 SE?

Supposed to have upgraded caps from the Anniversary Edition (tho probably not as large in size).

I can't believe I am the only one who's interested in this ;)

There's a hint of it in the preview of the Ref2SE Phono

http://www.avguide.com/blog/exclusive-first-review-audio-researchs-new-reference-phono-2se-phonostage-preamp

Looks like the front face plate is changed too! Making it look more like the Reference Anniversary preamp.

Upgrades probably includes Teflon caps in the power supply (also used in the Anniversary pre)

It's slated to cost 1k more in list price, but there's an appointment only upgrade for current owners.

I received my Ref 5SE a few days ago and you are correct about the Teflon caps. It sounds really good with only a few hours on it,

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This link contains photos of the unit

http://artsexcellence-audioresearch.blogspot.com/2011/12/audio-research-reference-5-se.html