Has anyone heard the Ref 3?

I would agree the Ref 3 is significant upgrade to the Ref 2. The Ref 3 is less colored, more transparent and gets out of the way of music more. Owners of the Ref 3 can get another improvement by replacing the stock Svetlana 6550c tube with a NOS Genalex KT88. The difference in terms of tonality, involvement, and imaging were substantial in my system.

KT88? Is this tube supposed to be a compatible replacement with 6550C? Did you experience hiss before or after the rolling in the KT88?

KT88s and 6550s are usually compatible in the same circuit. The hiss existed before and after changing tubes. This pre really sounds quite a bit better with the Genalex in my opinion.

I haven't heard the Ref 3 yet but had the LS2BMKII for years and now a tweaked LS5MKIII - I can say you'll not miss the LS2B once you step up!

Bob Wood
http://www.GreatHomeTheater.com

Looks like I'm getting a Ref 3.

Thank goodness for stock options. :o)