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ARC Ref 5se inferior to LS28?

This is what a big dealer told me the other day. Dealer speak or right on the money? Would very much like to hear opinions of the many knowledgeable ARC users on Audiogon. Thanks

4425
gtaphile
74 posts
 
Gents and ladies - just answer the question please. 
The ref5se is much much better than an LS27 based on auditioning both in
my system. So it is possible that an LS28 is closer but it is highly unlikely that it is equal or better. 
larryrs
132 posts
 
Not sure that logic necessarily follows.  5Se was introduced in 2011 - plenty of time for improvements to be made.  But the question remains unaddressed.  Does anyone have any experience comparing the two preamps?  Anyone from Audio Research able to shed some light on the question?

LarryRS 
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

"... the price of BMWs during the 1980s.  In the 1970s and earlier they used ot cost about the same as a Buick"

1970s and earlier BMW NA was not even in play. But that aside, drive a 1980s Buick and a BMW 3 series of the same era - 320i, back to back and you'll see why their prices has risen steadily since. Poor example at many levels. I have a number of friends and relatives that have uber expensive audio/video systems and they know their gear inside out and almost always shopped for best prices.

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Anyone from Audio Research able to shed some light on the question?

That will not address the question either. Where do you think the "rumors" that the LS28 is 'superior' to the Ref 5SE are coming from?
That's like asking the fox if he will eat any of your chickens if you let him into your hen house, and expecting an honest answer.

ALL manufacturers will claim that their new current lineup is superior to their older, discontinued lineup, or they don't stay in business very long.
The marketing idea, is to sell current product, not discontinued product.
larryrs
132 posts
 
I would agree if we were discussing a comparison of the Ref 6 and Ref 5SE, or LS28 and LS27.  I've not yet seen ARC claim a new LS is better than a recently discontinued Ref series.

LarryRS
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