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Opinions on Audio Research Ref 5SE vs. Modwright 36.5DM

I am interested in both of these pre’s as a possible replacement to a BENT silver TVC running into active ADAM speakers. These two pre’s seem like two natural contenders despite the price difference but I cannot find much discussion on the net from users who have heard or owned both and can offer an informed opinion on the relative merits of each.

 

Has anybody on the ‘gon had the good fortune to compare these two and able to offer an opinion? Any issues with impedance matching etc?

 

Thanks all,

Mondie (Simon)


mondie
triode12's avatar
triode12
25 posts
 
The ARC Ref 5SE will have better resale value over the MW unit. You could recoup your money if you decided that it wasn't for you and then buy the MW unit.
mondie OP
43 posts
 
I think the 5SE is off my contender list as the input impedance match is bad. Dan has posted on these pages in the past that his 36.5's output is transformer coupled so good for loads down to 10k and below so I am comfortable with that.

Guess I need get a home demo organised. Anything else that is in the price range and capabilities of these two I should also be considering?

Cheers,
Simon
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I think the 5SE is off my contender list as the input impedance match is bad. Dan has posted on these pages in the past that his 36.5's output is transformer coupled so good for loads down to 10k and below so I am comfortable with that.

I don't believe 36.5 is transformer coupled.   The only MW transformer coupled offerings are Elsye Dac and Sony HAP-Z1ES.

Checkout VAC SigMKIIa SE and above or Atmasphere MP-1 if looking for transformer coupled preamps.
david12
1,454 posts
 

 I'm not sure I can directly answer your question, but I was recently mulling over the Ref 3 and MD 36.5 and I live in the UK. I was able to compare the stock 36.5 with the ARC Ref 3, not side by side, but pretty close in time and I preferred the 36.5.

I tried out and bought the 36.5 from Jack at BD-Audio, who is the Modwright importer and I can't see myself changing it. At the same time I was able to listen to the 2 box 36.5 and the improvement in clarity and dynamics were clear in the first few bars of music. I couldn't afford the space for two boxes, or the extra cost though.

 If you are really interested to repair, try out the 36.5 and then the ARC 5SE, there are a number of good dealers. I would recommend Trevor at Guilford Audio and Oxford Audio Consultants, both are very helpful, but it depends where you live. Best of luck


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