2. amps-preamps
  3. 1113068956

Has anyone heard the new ARC Ref 3 Preamp?

I was just wondering if anyone has had the opportunity to audition the new Audio Research Reference 3 Preamplifier

I have heard the new CJ Act 2, and had some reservations about it's sound although quite good; trying to compare with the CJ unit, VTL 7.5, and the Audio Note M6.

All thougts would be appreciated.

Thanks much
musicdesign
jimburger
104 posts
 
Only briefly at CES. Source was ARC CD3 MkII CD player, Amplifiers were ARC Ref 300 MkII, speaker system Wilson Audio MAXX Series 2, and cabling was by Shunyata Research and power conditioning by Richard Gray. Of course, the sound was stunning. ARC always gets nice sound out of their system at Vegas. Many folks thought it was the best sound at the show this year. They also had a static display showing the inner workings of the REF 3 and the build quality was really impressive. Looked like a giant size rendition of a fine Swiss watch. Made the Hovland HP200 look like it was built in a high school shop class. And no, I am NOT an ARC dealer.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
Excellent critique Jimburger,,,Bob
kw6
692 posts
 
Hi,

You might also want to consider the Aesthetix Callisto Signature in that price range.

Good Luck!
meby
46 posts
 
I compared it today to a VTL 5.5 and it sounded better but maybe not worth the price difference. It sounded good but I would not pay $10,000 for it.
More to discover