Audio Research Ref. 3, Ref. 5, or the Ref. 5se.

The Ref 5se was significantly better than the Ref 5. It added heft to the images (only after hearing the Ref 5se does one realize that the Ref 5 is a bit too diaphanous) and made the presentation more natural in every way. Do NOT miss the opportunity to get a used 5se if you can.

Asking which ARC gear is better, the cheaper or the more expensive, you're going to get these kind of responses.  In defense of the Ref 3, I emphatically state that it is a bargain at the used price.  In fact, with the money I saved I upgraded to (used) Nordost Frey 2 and Tyr 2 IC's.  That's an upgrade I would do before jumping on a Ref 5SE any day.  I would love a 5SE or Quatros  - I have 3A Sigs.  Until and if I can afford them I'm in no way unhappy - the Ref 3 is that good.

+ 1 wlutke I have the ref 3 with pass xa 160.5 they work together beautifully with my Marten speakers you shouldn't have any problems with your Vandys. The ref 3 with nos 6h30dr's  is a vast improvement over the stock 6h30's more clarity and very special in the midrange. Best of Luck

the guy who designed and built your speakers thinks pretty highly of the 5 SE
i believe the advice he gave me was along the lines of giant killer...
2640 hours on mine.
ARC bashers for improving the product abound...
if you love your model keep it.
want an upgrade go that route..
my only beef was the cheap plastic remote..i sprung for metal 3 years in....