AR ref2 mk1 or ref 3

I have owned all of the AR Reference preamps and the Ref3 is by far the best of the bunch. All of them are excellent and are well worth the money. Even at $10k, the Ref3 is money well spent...you won't regret it.

I still have a Ref2 mk2 in my second system.

I have an LS26, which is still burning in. But I do believe it is going to sound better the the Ref 2. Also as I was told from the dealer, proforms 97% of the Ref3.

I have had (and am currently using) a Ref 2, mk1 in my system for the last 4 years and absolutely love it. I have tried several other pre's including: Ref 2 mk2, LS25 mk2, LS26, and Pass Labs X1. While all of these units are very very good, none of them could knock out my Ref 2 mk1. The reason?? Bloom. All of the units were very crisp and clean sounding, none of them had the bloom the Ref 2, mk1 has. It is a wonderful combination with my Maggies.....

Now comes the Ref 3. This unit was truly amazing. It was extremely quiet, very accurate and did show some bloom. Had I had the cash, I would have traded my Ref 2 mk1 in on it. (Mind you, I heard this unit when it first came out and it was going for retail). Some day, I'll own one when the price drops. Until then, my Ref 2 mk1 does the job quite well.

Magnepanmike

Magnepan 1.6
ARC 100.2
ARC CD1
ARC DAC5
PS Audio Power Director
All sorts of other stuff!

I own the Ref 3 and prior to that the Ref2 Mk ll. The former was a super preamp however IMO the Ref3 is in a league of its own. Simply put, it is the best preamp I have ever owned.

I have owned 3 ARC linestages, and listened to several more extensively. As Oneobgyn says, the Ref3 is such a leap, there should be no question which to choose. I now own the Ref3.