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

Good is often based on a persons frame of Reference.

@timztunz, I was just suggesting that yes, to a point it is worthwhile adding a very good tube preamp. But there is no point throwing a $20k tube linestage at your Plinius amp as imho there are better integrated amps such as the ones I mentioned. I own a Vitus SIA-025 and came from Boulder 1000 series amps as my reference point.

If AR would be a stunning brand and would be able to show all the parts what makes highend unique and impressive it would be a different story.

The people who own AR will not be happy abouth the things I said. I can understand that.

But what would you prefer to hear? The truth or the things you would like to hear.

A name or brand does not garantee you anyything. But the best sound and quality by research and shootouts does. This is how we work.

Foccusing on the best possible instead of a brand.

I'm quite surprised no one mentioned Ayre preamps.

@melbguy1 You have an interesting perspective.  But I was never suggesting a $20k preamp.  I was asking for suggestions comparable to an ARC Ref 5SE which is $13k new.  So with the Plinius total investment would be in the $33k-$35k range for amp and preamp.  While I'm sure the Vitus SIA-025 integrated is a very good piece of gear, I'm not sure I would consider it at $27k and only 25 watts of Class A power compared to the other gear.

@stringreen I don't remember if it was here or not but someone did mention Ayre and I did look at them.  But in the end went with the Allnic.