Ref75se

That is your reason.  They are great amps and will sell quickly for good money.

I run Krell power amps but for nearly 40 years most of my pre-amps and phono amps have been AR and have served me excellently.

So, given so many who love AR, isn't that good reason to dive in?

Thanks to all for your insights.

 I am slowly upgrading my shop system and I am trying to do it with some forethought.

As of now here’s where I’m at.

ref5se

forte III speakers with GR research crossover’s , braced cabinets, no rez, damped horns

Canare and DH labs

Carver tfm45 updated/ overhaul by Nelion audio.

I am ok with my amp, but I know there’s definitely room for improvement there.

Sure is an over abundance of options from when I started my “stereo system “ in the 60’s/70’s.

ref 5 se linestage certainly deserves a matching arc reference amp downstream of it! -- even a ref 110, now reasonably priced - simply a superb amp

You may want to ask how many hours are on the tubes. Tubes are pricey. Also ask if the tubes came from AR or are they replacements?

You know this is my first outing with tubes, with my pre,and my impression is I’ll bet I could get hooked. I still have my Carver C19,  but it will now go in the closet.

My other thoughts are to maybe try a Rogue 100 dark, and or a good SS. Pass, Bryston, Parasound??

 I would like to be “done” and just listen to the music, right?