Audio Research Ref 6 upgrade to 6SE.

I tried to schedule a repair to a ref anniversary preamp & was told there would be a 6 month wait

I’ve read nothing but very positive things about any Audio Research upgrades.  I mean, when you take an already great design and throw in a bunch of much better parts what could possibly go wrong?  The only thing I’d say is it’d be much more cost effective to buy a used Ref6SE because you’d already have the upgrades for far less than the stock Ref6.  I bought my fully upgraded McCormack amp 25 years ago for less than the price of the original stock amp, but that’s water under the bridge here.  I’ve no doubt you’ll be thrilled with the upgrade and will be interested in your thoughts. 

@soix   Yes. I agree with u. I’m sure I will be very happy with the upgrade. Like u said the Ref 6 is an already awesome preamp. Also yes that is what I would do if I didn’t already own the 6. But I have to do what I have to do since I already own it. 

@hhiggins  Well I think there is a difference with a repair and upgrade from the service dept. But 6 months is a very long time. 

Perhaps ARC is focusing on quick, high profit, transactions.  If you can add 17 capacitors and a little wire and it takes someone a couple of hours to do the upgrade and make $5K, that is smart business.  What do the caps cost them?

Keep in mind this is a company that was/is flirting with bankruptcy.  In these situations cash flow in is of paramount importance.  You know, cash to make payroll.