Has anyone heard the Ref 3?

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)

I own a Ref 3 and IMO it is simply the best preamp I have ever owned. Prior to that I owned a Ref 2 MK ll which I thought also to be excellent but when put up against the Ref 3 it sounded broken.

Those who pontificate about preamps rate the Ref3 as one of the top 3 in the market today--the other two being VTL 7.5 and the CJ ACT 2. Bear in mind that ARC recently did a rolling line change on the Ref 3 by adding 4 bypass caps and switching from the 6L6 tube back to a 6550C

Here is a look at the Ref 3 in my room

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1049587927&read&3&4&

http://homepage.mac.com/imacdoyou86/PhotoAlbum52.html

I ordered mine yesterday. Stay tuned...