2. amps-preamps
  3. 118928-3663

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
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
Congrats Russ!  You are going to love it.
 
Please come back to this thread and give us a review.
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
I tend to recommend the GE 6550A as it is to me the best *All Rounder* its accuracy and neutrality certainly makes an excellent choice for Classical, Rock, Popular, Singer Songwriter, Film Scores etc .etc.

Were I to be contemplating an evening of Sinatra, Ella, Lady Sings The Blues, Jazz, Blues, etc. Etc. then I might swap out the GE for an Tung Sol Solid Gray Plate or an late 50's Black, introducing a touch more palpability, Tonal density and Harmonic bloom 
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,836 posts
 
Great exchange of info here guys. Russ, keep me posted as you receive & break-in your Ref3. Happy Listening!
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
Jafant, that Ref3 should be ready to rock right out of the box.
It's at least 5 years old and fully broken in.
One hour of warm-up...and SHOWTIME!
bluesy41
211 posts
 
I'm torn between buying a REF 5 or the Ayre KX-5 Twenty. I have ARC DS-450M. Seeking some advice?

Tony
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