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


I am looking to add a Audio Research preamp. Looking at the Ref. 3,5,5se. The 5se is a bit high in price.

I have a Wadia S7i CDP up front with Pass Labs XA100.8 amps. I am using Vandersteen Quarto Wood CT speakers. Witch Audio Research would make the best sense to go with.


Thanks for the help Russ.

russb
Tsushima1,

SR doesn't make a 7 amp slow blo in the red version. The closest they make is an 8 amp.

tomic601.... an General Electric 6550A measuring ideally 100% emissions.

taters.... My apologies, I was still in Ref10 mode, USA Ref5se takes a 5 amp slow.
Got it and on it ! Will advise how it sounds vs. factory, which I replaced about 100 hours ago w another factory ARC tube.

Buy the Ref3 now.  It is an outstanding line stage.  Whenever you get ready to move up to the Ref 5SE, you can always trade up... or you just may find yourself content with the Ref3 with no desire to trade up.