ARC REF 3 or MBL 5011 - what is better buy?

Just to clarify,I owned a REF 3 and a Capri which I acquired based on Guido's favourable reviews,he is a well respected audiophile.The Capri just didn't make majic in my system,nor those of several others I have since corresponded with.
I am a believer in equipment synergy and I have no doubt that in Guido's system the Capri excelled.

Tvad, I agree. I will have to go this road again. Trial and error. Untill I hear it in my system and in my rooom, I will not be able to determine. But still your advise as well as the others is very helpfull. Thank you.

another consideration would be to sell the plinius in the future and save up for a used lamm 1.2 or 2.2s. These amps are really special and magical! and i have read they work well with the Egglestons.
I had plinius amps before, integrateds & separates. They are very good amps, no doubt! but in my experience, they just dont have the magic and soul of the Lamms. YMMV.

{{{As for now, I’m leaning towards ARC REF 3. The only thing that stops me from buying it the opinion of the Audiogon member( Guidocorona ) who seem reviewer for TAS and respected here on the AudioGon. He is stating on several occasions that Jeff Rowland Capri sounds close if not better (for him of course) than ARC REF 3. When I read that $3000 unit sounds as good or better than $10000 unit it make me confused at least and make me to go on another round of evaluations.}}
I used to be a Plinius dealer and the ARC Ref 3 worked very well with the Plinius amps either a 26 or a Ref 3 would be a great pairing
Rowland gear has always matched up best with their own matching units as they were designed to do
I believe guido when he hears this fine pairing with the Rowland gear.
I wouldn't let it confuse your situation as the Plinius ARC is a different interface.
Best John