What's a contender to an Audio Reference 5 SE?

The Plinius has a balanced input. Here is a brief list that might suit:

Atma-Sphere MP-1 or MP-3
BAT Vk51
Aesthetix
Einstein 'the Tube'
Allnic L5000DHT

You are not limited to balanced operation however- preamps that easily keep up with the ARC:

Convergent
Atma-Sphere UV-1
CJ ART 2
Cary SLP98
Shindo

Have fun!

Many are much better!!

The thing in audio is; when you focus and test many different tools at different price levels you will find out that over 95% of all products in audio is not that special or worth it's money.

When you fully focus on quality there are many products which are inferior compared to the best. These products are still being sold. I always have been amazed about all those products which are just average.

Merely a couple of folk, of no consequence or experience, that hold a markedly different perspective of ARC products, your scribblings are beginning to appear somewhat 'Agenda ' driven.

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/audio_research_reference_10.htm

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-40th-anniversary-edition-reference-preamplifier-tas-209/

http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/audio-research-reference-250-monoblock-amplifiers/

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/audio_research_reference_250.htm

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/audio-research-ref-250-monoblocks/

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-reference-250-monoblock-amplifier/

Tsushima1,

I am sure he thinks those are crap to. He obviously doesn't like ARC.