Which ARC ref linestage to try: Ref3, Ref5, Ref5SE? HATE forward sounding systems
I presently am driving a PS Audio 300 class D amp with a CJ premiere 16LS2 and really really like the sound. I have always preferred solid state fed by a nice tube amp. One of the things that are remarkable (to my ears anyway) is that my system not only excels with well recorded material…poor quality recordings sound great too. I can listen indefinitely without fatigue.
Obviously, I like fuller, lush sound (which some might criticize as too euphonic (I make no apologies, that’s what I like)). I DESPISE forward sounding, edgy, systems. With the advancements made, I’m thinking detail and warmth are not mutually exclusive and that ARC may have pulled off the balance with one of these? I like big, deep, recessed soundstages.
This is my hobby so sometimes I like to change things up. I would like to try one of the ARC refs as I’m hoping they can deliver what I like but maybe with some improvements (e.g maybe more natural/real sounding?) I have read all the reviews and many comparisons multiple times. I know that the 5se allegedly blows away the 5 etc. blah blah. I don’t care how impressive something sounds initially…I need long term satisfaction. I gotta think that these refs have different sound signatures, right?
I am asking owners and people with first hand experience to provide feedback re. which of these is least forward and analytical and might give me what I already have…but with additional detail, realism, etc.?
P.S. To proactively address the obvious…. Why not just try a newer CJ? I’m not a fan of the newer CJ single triode linestages ONLY because of the single triode design (I had an ET3 and really liked the sound…however, the single triode is driven very hard in that design…and it ate tubes (they became noisy quickly and regularly)). The more rugged tubes didn’t sound as good to me so, don’t want to go there again.
@jafant you have me thinking… I heard about the huge soundstage, which I love…but, how does it treat poorly recorded music in your experience? Is the soundstage at all forwardish? Does it truly have to be run balanced to sing?
(Everyone: for the record, yes, I know, other components and the room play a factor too 😉 |
Sorry to get off of the AR line stage topic, I currently own an AR Ref3 preamp, But have you listened to the Audio GD Vacuum HE 1 XLR preamp with the regenerative power supply for 4K or the Vacuum HE-1 LE 10 preamp for 3K I bought the Vacuum HE-1 LE 10 last year and it sounds even better than my AR Ref3 or my Benchmark LA4 preamp in either of my 2 main systems, you can look up the reviews online or check to see if any other owners will chime in with their reviews. You might be pleasantly surprised at the sound and build quality of these Audio GD products. |
My advice is to ask your ARC dealer to let you audition an Ref 5 SE and a LS28 at home. I find things sound a lot different at my home than they did in the store. I have an old ARC SP15. I can't switch because it has exactly the roomy detail I prefer, and the phono stage is outstanding. I have considered adding a REF5SE because I like it's detail, but to get the most out of it I need to spend uncomfortably to upgrade to a set of Wilsons. I find that the ARC stuff is more or less "neutral" which I think is great as I love the "original intent" of the artist's recording. Listening to the Stones Black and Blue album on an ARC system was an a-ha moment for me. Somehow the Stones managed to get one of the best studio mixes ever on that record. Anyhow, the point I'm trying to make is try them out at your place first. You won't second guess or regret it later. |
