The New Audio Research Reference 6

Wow, some of the discord here is amazing. AR is a company, just like Conrad Johnson, Atmosphere, etc. some companies have larger R&D departments than others. Big deal. Take for granted that some people are in the "amp of the month club" and have to buy new and "better" equipment whenever it comes out, and in my opinion, more power to them. However, no one is forcing anyone to buy anything.

If you aren't in the club I mentioned above, then you are reviewing and auditioning the equipment and have made a personal determination that it is better than what you previously owned.

Lets not forget that lots of "high end" equipment is simply not carried by many brick and mortar dealers. This means that unless you have friends with equipment or can travel distances to audition, you really can't compare with other equipment.

I have read and heard much about Atmosphere equipment, but I couldn't tell you one store that sells it. I'm absolutely sure it is top quality and sounds wonderful however. And, having some sort of relationship with dealers on a long time basis really helps. Which I have established.

but, if I didn't like the sound of the latest and greatest AR equipment over some other equipment and I was in the market to buy, I most certainly would buy the other equipment, if I could be assured that if there was a problem, that company would be around to fix it.

I would love to hear Atmosphere equipment, so don't get me wrong.

I recently purchased a demo pair of AR REF250 amps. I have mentioned many times that they were the best amps (tube or SS) that I have heard to date. It took two years for me to buy the amps. no hurry. Now they are offered in the SE version. Am I drooling over upgrading to the SE? Absolutely not.

When I upgrade (if ever) my AR REF 3 pre-amp, I will look at the REF 5SE and Atmosphere's pre-amp.

I do however, have one stipulation. I have to be able to audition that equipment in my home system. Hearing it in a store, really doesn't do it for me. If I can't audition at home, that presents a very real problem for me. For that kind of cash, I don't think that is too much to ask.

Which companies have stood the test of time and also have stood by their products?

AR can and will diagnose and fix every product they made. Same is true for Atmosphere, Pass, and many others.

Not true for some others. That is also a problem.

enjoy and be happy

I made a decision.some time ago,this 5se will do me for ever.Whether that changes several years from now.Time will tell.Id like to try a few other bits first.powercable,interconnect,speakers etc.

I am getting my new Ref5SE next week. Check with your dealers about closeout pricing.

I can't see buying a new one when you can pick up a mint condition Ref-5se for about 7000.00. And I doubt they are selling close out one's for 40 percent off retail.

Well sooner or later (sooner I expect), dealers are going to have to clear out their stock of REF 5SEs in order to make room both physically and financially for the REF 6 pre-amp. So, I do expect that dealers are going to offer the units at very close to what they actually paid AR for them. Also, once a unit is discontinued, AR's mandates on strict pricing controls go out the window and dealers can then sell for whatever they want.

So, first I expect to see customers buying the REF 6 and selling their REF 5 or REF 5SE units. Then I expect customer pressure and financial and space pressure to force dealers to clear out their REF 5SE units.

To me, the REF 3, REF 5 (not that much better than the REF 3) and REF 5SE (definitely better than the REF 3) will be excellent units to own and with the introduction of the REF 6, it will offer some the opportunity to upgrade to the REF 5SE.

Since audio reproduction perfection isn't here yet, this type of upgrades and new offerings will never go away. And that's okay.

Manufacturers cannot become stagnant. I have no problem with them continuing to try to better the industry and hobby.

enjoy