When you get into the stratosphere area of High End Audio, there (in my opinion) isn't jaw dropping differences. Differences yes, but jaw dropping? not in my experience.
How long has the REF 10 been on the market? Some people complain that Audio Research comes out with new stuff quite often and that may be the case for their lower high end or middle high end equipment. But to beat the REF 10? That they are probably finding is pretty hard to do. Unless budget is unlimited and the selling price really over the top.
As usual, for most of us, price/budget is a factor. So, demonstration equipment or used equipment is the way to go for some of us. that typically means either 1) the previous owner found money enough to get that Maybach and will let the AMG or regular Mercedes go for a good price. Same for audio equipment. I've seen REF 10s on the used market for about $14,000. Not bad considering it sells new (who buys retail?) for $30,000. but, $14,000 is still a large chunk of change for most of us.
but I tell you what, if and when I can justify (funny word in this hobby) the money for a REF 10, I'm grabbing it. Can't believe I wrote that.
it is an absolutely wonderful pre-amp. Also, there is no such thing as a thing being overpriced.
an item, any item is worth exactly what you are willing to pay for it. If you aren't willing to pay that amount for something, then, to you, it isn't worth it. But to some others, it may well be. has nothing to do with you does it?
give credit where credit is due. Audio Research makes some really nice equipment. So do some others out there. That is why this is such a great and interesting hobby.
I am interested in the large differences WC is hearing with the new amps over the Block amps. The first question I would have is did you match volume levels before serious listening?
Anyway, this is about WC's blog and journey through the many levels and categories of audio equipment. This experience is unlike any I have seen or heard about other than reviewers in audio magazines. Which, unfortunately, I have stopped believing most reviewers.
but, if one can take a piece of equipment out of their system and place another into the same system and listen, that is the best way to do it. Change only one thing, listen again and make a determination.
I did that going from my Audio Research SP 11, which with new tubes was really close to the REF 3. then the REF 3, compared directly to a REF 5SE and a REF 6 at the same time. Know what? The REF 3 even today is a really great pre-amp. The REF 5SE was better. Jaw dropping better? no. The REF 6 better than the REF 5SE. so I got one.
I see a REF 10 on the horizon. But that will probably only happen if Audio Research comes out with some new fangled pre-amp better than the REF 10 (good luck with that) and people start off loading their REF 10s to get the newer pre-amp.
I am absolutely enjoying reading about WC's adventures. But I can tell you right now that when he starts delving into Analog/Vinyl equipment. Oh boy!!!!!
This is fun.
enjoy
