Audio Research Ref 3 Opinions

Probably pretty good.

GREGM, The device under discussion is the Ref 3 (Mark 1). It is highly unlikely that there will ever be a Ref 3 Mark 4. But if you are thinking about a Ref 4 instead, you may want to come back in approximately 4 years to find out how it will sound.

Soundoc, are you saying that the Ref 3 has some of the razor-sharpness and etched in-your-face sound of ampliphiers from Spectral?

I had the opportunity to listen to a friend's ARC Ref 1 preamp. His system was very good: Linn Genki CDP, ARC Ref 1 preamp. ARC PH3 phono stage, Linn Sondek LP12 TT with Linn tonearm & Dynavector 17D cartridge, Symphonic Line Kraft 250 stereo amp & Newform Research R645 speakers.
The ARC Ref 1 was a total disappointment in that system. The sound (for all the very nice electronics) was mediocre at best & left a poor impression of such an expensive preamp. FWIW.

Audio Research has finally added a Ref 3 page to its site. Please see:
http://www.audioresearch.com/reference3.htm