ARC REF 6 upgraded by ARC.

OP,

I went from a REF5SE to REF6SE so, no direct correlation.

However, I have heard long term the REF 3 phono stage and the REF 3SE Phonostage. I believe the internal changes we similar if not exactly the same as would be for the preamp (I think the two are nearly the same unit overall). The change was subtle but important. Greater detail and lower noise and higher dynamics. I would do it… as opposed to waiting for the REF 7. 

bigkidz

PM sent.   Happy Listening!

@syd7865   I just sent my Ref 6 to ARC yesterday for the upgrade. Wow u said 2 days and it was done ? How do u like it compared to the 6 ? Did u think it was worth it ? What did u pay for the upgrade? Would u do it again if u didn’t already ? 

@tattooedtrackman ;

I do like the upgrade for $3500 as i was honored with quoted price from  last year but was unable to send the unit in that time., Ok about difference in SE, compared to Ref 6, i find  floor/ noise is low, mid range and highs are cleaner .Ref 6, sounds little cooler toned than SE; I mostly listen to vocal and Jazz, so i had really liked ref 6. for years ,with up grade i kind of get used to it. if you like warmer sound  with SE upgrade, get ready to invest in quality cables, power cords like Cardas cables.

I am still holding out on phono3 and amp upgrades until Dust settles and I can get convinced it is worth $ 5000 upgrade for each component.

I do have alternated warm sounding  system hooked to my Focal Scala V2 with AQ cables Conrad Johnson A27 amp and ART 88 preamp with PST/DAC-mkII and MT5 TT.

Hope it  make sense and give you comfort in making hard decision. that is not easy in this case.

Ok. Sounds great. I’m sure I will really love the new sound quality of the 6SE. I was using my ref 6 with my Krell FPB 600 amp. Im now putting together a new system that will include the ARC Ref 750s with the 6SE. Speakers will stay the same B&W Matrix 800s along with my Straight Wire Crescendo speaker cables and balanced ICs.And my Rega ISIS CDP