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ARC Phono Ref 2 SE - Dealer Demo Unit Worth Price?

The local ARC dealer I've purchased from many times over the years is about to move to a new location and has offered me a deal on a Phono Ref 2 SE he's had in his demo rack. He retubed the unit a while ago and the tubes now have about 1400 hours on them. Is $10K a good price for this? I've been saving for the Phono 8 which is just $2k shy of what he's asking.

For what it's worth, I'm running a VPI Classic 3 with Dynavector DV-20X2H, ARC LS-27 pre and Ayre VX-R amp into Vandersteen 5A speakers.
cosinaro
cosinaro OP
3 posts
 
After meeting with the dealer and wringing a better deal out of him, I have pulled the trigger on the Ref 2 SE. He gave me another $500 off and threw in some new AudioQuest balanced interconnects (worth another $525 if you believe in the price/value equation for high-end cables).

Funny thing, as he walked me to my car he said "you'll be back for a new cartridge soon". I think he is dead right.

I've read reviews that rave about "holographic soundstage" etc but never really got it b/c I've never experienced it. But I have now.

I'll be posting for sale a barely used Dynavector P75 Mk3 on AG in a few days.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Nice going Cosinaro!

Good choice on the phono stage. And now the dealer definitely deserves your loyalty and future business.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Pass no great deal.
cosinaro OP
3 posts
 
True, not a GREAT deal, but good enough for me to go for it. I got a nearly-new Ref 2 SE with 1430 hours on it AND with over a year's warranty remaining, for just about 29% off the retail price. I'm not complaining.
bpwalsh
1,207 posts
 
If you buy a cartridge from the same dealer, insist on him installing and aligning it accurately, including azimuth adjustment (in my experience almost never level when viewed from the front), and included in the price. If he questions or balks at that, run for the door and never go back.
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