arc ref5-se


I have been entertaining the idea of trying a ref5-se for awhile. I see a few around the $6500 range, but they sure don't seem to sell very fast.

I have an opportunity to get one for $6000. The unit is very clean with low hours.

I kinda feel this is a fair price. Any thoughts?

128x128skids

They have sold for less in the past, but with the way high end audio electronics prices are inflating due to material sourcing and supply chain issues, the used market seems to be inflating as well.

It seems to be a fair price for the unit.

I mean, sometimes low hours really is low hours. Not everyone is out to scam. Some of us hobbyists accumulate lots of gear and don't give certain pieces much use for a very long time 😅

But the 5SE has lost a fair bit of market value since the 6 (and now 6SE) has been out for several years, and people seem to prefer the 6 by a lot. I definitely seem to recall units offered at 6500 sitting for a long time, even if minty. I sold my first Ref 6 for 8500 - probably well worth that $2K stretch. $6K seems OK if you don't want to stretch and really want to try it. 

Very nice preamp. HIfi shark will provide historical pricing. Recommend budgeting for tube replacement and service as there's no way of telling how many hours are on the Ref5 SE or how many owners its been through.

If you contact ARC and provide the S/N they can tell you the actual date of manufacture.