The New Audio Research Reference 6

I can't see buying a new one when you can pick up a mint condition Ref-5se for about 7000.00. And I doubt they are selling close out one's for 40 percent off retail.

Well sooner or later (sooner I expect), dealers are going to have to clear out their stock of REF 5SEs in order to make room both physically and financially for the REF 6 pre-amp. So, I do expect that dealers are going to offer the units at very close to what they actually paid AR for them. Also, once a unit is discontinued, AR's mandates on strict pricing controls go out the window and dealers can then sell for whatever they want.

So, first I expect to see customers buying the REF 6 and selling their REF 5 or REF 5SE units. Then I expect customer pressure and financial and space pressure to force dealers to clear out their REF 5SE units.

To me, the REF 3, REF 5 (not that much better than the REF 3) and REF 5SE (definitely better than the REF 3) will be excellent units to own and with the introduction of the REF 6, it will offer some the opportunity to upgrade to the REF 5SE.

Since audio reproduction perfection isn't here yet, this type of upgrades and new offerings will never go away. And that's okay.

Manufacturers cannot become stagnant. I have no problem with them continuing to try to better the industry and hobby.

enjoy

I did notice the new Ref6 is absent the unity gain as a designated input. I tried to download the manual but it isn't loaded on the ARC website yet. As far as the new look I saw the GS series at RMAF and sorry, I prefer the older look. This is too Euro for me and they deleted the option of the black case plate, which I realize would probably not look good. All based on my taste of course. But bottom line it better sound great, I estimate the REF 6 will come in at 14K US. I suppose the LS28 will have the same look or very similar.

I am getting my new Ref5SE next week. Check with your dealers about closeout pricing.
Et88b

10-27-15: Minorl
Well sooner or later (sooner I expect), dealers are going to have to clear out their stock of REF 5SEs in order to make room both physically and financially for the REF 6 pre-amp. So, I do expect that dealers are going to offer the units at very close to what they actually paid AR for them. Also, once a unit is discontinued, AR's mandates on strict pricing controls go out the window and dealers can then sell for whatever they want.

I just happened to call my dealer and ask if he even had a Ref5 SE. First answer was, "yes". The second question from me was, "what color". It was black as I had hoped for. When he told me the price, I could not believe it! I am picking up the new one today, and returning the silver one they loaned me. Good things come to those who wait sometimes?

And the price was?