ARC Ref 5se inferior to LS28?

My guess would be dealer speak, though it may also go all the way back to ARC marketing.

I recall when ARC released the LS27 the dealers were all buzzing that it was better than the Ref 3. So it would seem that whatever the current LS step would be will be better than the no longer available Reference level.

I predict that the LS29 will sound better than the Ref 6. That just seems to be ARC’s marketing campaign for years now.

It’s all about moving new stock. Newer is ALWAYS better you know. ;^)

my guess too. keep the product moving with new and improved.

I've often heard that so&so newer LS series is as good as, nearly as good as, or better than Refx (older).

It could be self-serving dealer-speak (discussed in the novel 1984) but it could possibly also be that continued R&D improved the breed.

You'll have to listen yourself and match levels carefully too.

^^^^What they said.

IMHO what else would he say?  Unless he has a Ref 5SE you can compare and he gets a sale one way or the other.  Doesn't make him bad just a good  businessman.

IMHO what else would he say?  Unless he has a Ref 5SE you can compare and he gets a sale one way or the other.  Doesn't make him bad just a good  businessman. .

 If it is untrue, it makes him a liar. Which makes me wonder what else is he lying about? I want a dealer who will give me their honest opinion. Not someone who will say anything to make a sale. I would think twice about buying from such a dealer.

 I have heard this many times before. The LS27 was supposedly better than the Ref 3. The LS27 wasn't even better than the Ref 2 mk2. It is not even close.

 They are both built to a price point. The Ref series is much more expensive. It uses tubes in the power supply while the LS series does not. The Ref 5se is a truly superb preamp. One of the best preamps  ARC has ever made. It will be a long time before an LS preamp comes close.