Audio Research Ref 3 Opinions

Still uses a digital volume control................>>red flag.

Downunder, the Ref 3 hasn't made it even to the ARC site yet. We will likely see it at CES this week for the very first time. You can expect a Mk.2 version of it in anywhere from 2 to 4 years if at all.

If Audio Research holds true to form, a Ref 3 Mk. 2 version should be out in less than a year.

MCHD1, I know AR introduced a REF2 Mk2 within 1 year from the Ref 2, but was the event typical and part of a past pattern, or rather unique instead? On the other hand ARC has consistently offered upgrade paths to move users of its devices up the revision ladder.

Let the ARC-bashing commence! :-)