Audio Research Reference 6 Preamp Review

5,6,40,10 - they all share the same circuit design.  The 6 has improvements trickled down from the 10.   Dual mono power supply makes a significant difference separating the first tier Ref gear (5,6) from the second tier Ref gear (40,10).  

The system context that allows one component to fulfill its potential may be limiting to another component from a higher class.  Without that context most comparisons are limited.

I think ARC is doing more than upgrading capacitors.  I loved my ARC 40th and switched to the Ref. 10.  More than an icremental improvement: attact, bass, extension, mids, depth and width of sound stage, etc.  Takes more than a capacitor tweek to deliver that.  Don't get me wrong. The earlier ARC stuff is great.  I just find the newer stuff alot better and so it should be with technolgy and if its going to go head-to-head with the top three, including Constellation.

TY-elem79.

Which model- Ref6, Ref10 or $40th costs the most retail?

In ascending order

• Ref 6 $14K
• 40th Anniversary $25K (in 2010)
• Ref 10 $30K

Both the Ref 6 and 10 are current models, the 40th (which I own) was a limited edition