Audio Research Ref 6 SE

You can't measure capacitors, resistors, transformers, wires ...for improvements and advancements?   No specfications?

should pick the best components out there, e.g. capacitors, resistors, transformers, etc., from the get go

Best is not indefinite.   ie: best in 1960 probably not best in 2020?
I do agree not all upgrades and new models are improvements.  ie.  Ref 3 to Ref 5 not good ROI.    I had my ARC Ref250 unofficially upgraded by ARC to SE and major SQ improvement still rolling KT120.   Then another jump in performance with KT150.  They only replaced passive components capacitors, resistors, wire ...

Every time ARC announces upgrade, same set of character whining and probably with ZERO ARC experience.

joecasey

Every time ARC announces upgrade, same set of character whining and probably with ZERO ARC experience.

Why would you say this? Do you think the OP of this thread does not really have an ARC preamp? Or are you implying that those of us who do not own an ARC product give a gnat’s a** what happens at ARC?

I always thought that a company's "reference series" of products was their best effort.   It would appear that this is not the case with ARC.  As soon as ARC releases a new Ref X component it is followed up with a SE model which implies they could have done better. From a marketing standpoint, it would make more sense to release the standard model along with the SE model at the same time allowing the consumer to make an informed choice at time of purchase.

I have Reference 250 non-SE that I purchased new from an authorized dealer where I have purchased most of my system from for forever.  The unit with KT120 tubes is a stunning sounding unit being used with ARC and Pass preamps. Love it with lots of superlatives.  Not necessary to upgrade to the SE version and pricier tubes. So I didnt care about SE, knew there would be one eventually.  BTW, I went to purchase a 10 hour new vintage Crown tape deck off of Craigslist Minneapolis. Drove from Chicago. Turned out the seller was Wade Fieberger.  Never heard of him until he told me he worked for ARC and designed my amps.  Was ecstatic. Had many ARC pieces over my time and was ignorant.  Fantastic guy, allowed me to spend a gracious 3 hours in his house showing me his "stash", talking about my amps, ARC history etc.  Was a great time except after 2 hours when we went from his house to his garage to view his components, realized left my wife sitting in the car in the driveway for 2 hours. Not a happy camper but she enjoyed the last hour of the visit.  Great loss as a person and designer.  Purchased the tape deck.  True story.