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

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.

So Bo, what tube gear does your "firm" recommend?

I would recommend a used darTZeel NHB-18NS. not cheap but likely close to the price range. it's battery powered, Swiss built like a tank, very low noise, and has a great phono stage standard. and it's sound is very natural and smooth and so gets close to tubes in many ways.

did I say it's very low noise! and very dynamic.

and it can be upgraded to the super duper newer version of the dart preamp if you want to step up.