Audio Research Ref 10 vs 40th Anniversary preamp

There was always a night and day differ between their endless Reference etc. Products.
What does Reference mean? Their Reference?
Or a Reference among comeptitors? (Well, hardly)
Probably it is time to think about a Manufacturer who can do something right the first time.

syntax"There was always a night and day differ between their endless Reference etc. Products...Probably it is time to think about a Manufacturer who can do something right the first time."

This is obviously not the way it works or otherwise you would still be driving Ford Model T’s and the electric starter and air conditioning would never have been invented and you would be expressing you ill-informed "opinion" with a quill pen on parchment and posting it to "Pony Express"!

While I have considered moving to the Ref 10 (and the Ref 10 phono) what puts me off is the complexity that's been added in both of these components relative to the Ref 40 -- complexity that to me brings no value. What I'm talking about is all of the microprocessor controlled touch screen -- for me this and all the functionality it brings are of absolutely no value and not something I'd want to pay for. I'd much rather invest in the core amplification circuitry and if I was in the market for an upgrade would lean more towards the top of the line VAC for example

Anyway for the time being the Ref 40 is still working well for me -- just swapped out all the tubes, not because they had failed but just a sense that at 2000 hours+ they were getting tired -- which they were, surprising how this gradual insidious diminution of performance builds up, a strict program of preventative tube exchange is a must

clearthink.... I totally agree with you.                                                                  folkfreak .....Have you ever heard the Ref 6 ? Im just curious if it is closer to the Ref 40 th or the Ref 40th closer to the Ref 10. I t would be nice to hear from folks who actually heard all 3 .

I’ve heard the REF 3, 5, 5SE, 6, 40 and 10.  To my ears on the same system, the 10 was slightly better than the 40. At this level there aren’t jaw dropping differences between components.  I’d take the 40 in a heartbeat.  The 10 was more open.  

Also there is most definitely not a major difference between the 5SE and the 6.  The six is a better unit but not “oh my God”. Much like the difference between the 3 and 5.  
I really like the 10.  I currently own a 6. As I said, the 40 is amazing, but between the 10 and 40 if I had to choose, I’d take the 10.