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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
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! 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
+1 emergingsoul! You speak the uncomfortable truth! Expensive high end gear is a case of "the emperor’s new clothes"!
erik_squires
16,013 posts
 
It is supposed to be a neutral pass thru of a signal.

I don't buy for neutral, I buy for fun.  I have to say the ARC is one of the most neutral bits of tube gear out there, which in my mind has made it a let down.

Lots of less expensive gear sounds as good to my ears in this generation.

Having said that.... Some vintage CJ or Luxman transformer volume controlled pre's can really add a lot of enjoyment and image to the experience. 
Ayre, yeah, I like Ayre pre's a lot more too. :)

Best,
E
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
If you want to hear a difference between components buy tube gear!
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