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Seriously? Why Buy ARC Ref 6SE? seems Benchmark LA4 is a better choice.

And costs only a few grand vs soooo much more for a ref 6se preamp.  Benchmark LA4 Does HT bypass very easily.  
I am at a profound loss.  what the heck is going on inside the Ref 6se box.  What the heck does it all do? 
6se is very pretty but Benchmark LA4 also looks nice. And the McIntosh c1100 preamp is also very pretty.  Frankly, what justifies buying a preamp at such a high price?? It is supposed to be a neutral pass thru of a signal.
emergingsoul
emergingsoul OP
1,091 posts
 
I think it boils down to a segment of market that is ego driven, knows quality, kinda naive, wants to feel comfortable with a purchase, likes to be admired by peers, and has the means to spend some money.  I don’t mind the price differential, as long as I receive value, can understand what I am buying, and don’t get taken advantage of.

a product like the Benchmark la4 throws a big wrench into the fan.


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tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,582 posts
 
As many have said, you have to listen to preamps to decide which one you like.  If you can't bring yourself to believe that they can sound different, buy the cheapest one that appeals to you in other ways.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Marketing hype and marque fsctor! Same as high-priced SUVs (Mercedes. BMW, Audi ...)
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@tomcy6 : the truth is that there is no discernable sonic difference between any of today's solid state gear (amps, preamps, CD/DVD players/transports, DACs) - regardless of what the golden ear audio gurus claim! 
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