New PrimaLuna versus used Audio Research preamp?

As posted previously, I'm shopping tube preamps.

Have an opportunity to buy a friend's ARC Reference 5SE, as he upgraded to a new 6SE.

Alternatively, a new PL EVO 300 or 400 is also on my radar, and even new would cost 20% to 30% less than the used 5SE.

Anyone here experience both units and brands?

Thanks!

bobbydd06-18-2022 6:18pm

jayctoy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,140 posts 06-19-2022 at 02:43pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Iam also looking for a reference AUdio Research preamp, Iam using LS2b audio research linestage , on one of my systems, it always amaze me, though maybe a 17se is good enough for my main system. Charles I agree with you.
honeyooi Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 126 posts 06-20-2022 at 01:18am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete ARC for sure , easy to sell if no like it but I doubt it .
oddiofyl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,889 posts 06-20-2022 at 03:10am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Audio Research. It will still be worth close to what you paid should you sell it. PL resale will be half the day you take it home.
dekay Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,598 posts 06-20-2022 at 03:49pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Here a link to visually identifying the "DR" version. http://www.aca.gr/index/hiend/hiendArticles?row=1988 DeKay
samzx12 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,220 posts 06-20-2022 at 04:13pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Has anyone here actually listened or compared both? Has anyone seen the build quality of the EVO series of preamp?