Audio Research Ref 3 Opinions

Guido:

I did not find sheen or glare to be a problem with the 2. I do not really recall a difference in the two preamps in this regard. Again, there is a family resemblance to the sound between the 2 and 3, so this is something you will need to check out for yourself.

I would be interested to hear the opinions of others who have tried the 3 with top flight sacd front ends.

Rom, I detected the slight 'sheen' when auditioning the Ref 2Mk. 2 next to a Boulder 1012 preamp, which seemed at the time to have a slightly warmer more musical sound, still maintaining top/bottom extension. The preamps were driving a Rowland 3.02, and a pair of Utopia (perhaps Altos). By comparison the Ref 2 Mk. 2 sounded just slightly hard. In complete honesty though, I auditioned the Ref 2 Mk. 2 another time on a different system, driving ARC VT200 and Maggie 3.6 speakers, and found it marvellous.
In both cases, the Ref 2 was driven by an ARC CD-3 Mk. 3.

How about Ref 3 vs. Ref 2 (MK1)? Any one has the experience? Is that true Ref 3 is not as warmer and sweeter as Ref 2 MK1? Thanks!

Now spent a few hours with the REF 3, it is a revelation.
Anyone knows which manufacturer or which kind of caps the four golden caps are? Teflon? oil impregnated?

Soundoc, please elaborate on your Ref 3 experience!