ARC Ref 75 vs. Ref 75 SE

Well, the flip side and potential benefit of the ARC upgrades to the folks particularly on this site is that you can probably buy the SE versions used and get a significant discount on both the unit and the improvements. Much like buying a McCormack Rev. Whatever amp -- much better amp at a relatively small premium to what a used original unit would cost. And like Oregonpapa said, nobody's forcing you to do the upgrades and the original unit would've cost substantially more if they offered it off the bat. Choose your poison, but I think giving consumers a choice in how much they want to pay for whatever performance is perfectly fine.

07-20-15: Bdp24
Knghifi- The Music Reference stock transformer is just fine. Excellent, actually, being an original Roger Modjeski design he has manufactured to his specs. But the art of transformer design, and hand winding them especially, is a dying art. Roger has made a lifetime study of transformers, and by hand winding his design he is able to extend it's bandwidth to a high frequency impossible in a machine-wound transformer---his, ARC's, or anyone else's ...

If the transformer is superior to anything on the market, why all the reported humming problems with RM200?

To me, the real crux of the ARC update/improvement matter is this: Let's say about ten years ago you had ten grand to spend on a pre-amp (must be nice!). Amongst your choices were the EAR-Yoshino 912 (designed by Tim Paravicini, a man very much like Roger Modjeski) and the ARC Reference whatever...

Then buy an EAR? Why are you so hung up on ARC? Who is forcing you to buy ARC? Where do you live? IRAN? Is there a new Obama / Robert mandate I should know?

I did.

An audiophile acquaintance has only recently completed his home trial period with an ARC REF 5SE / REF 75 combo, and has part Ex'd his previous incumbent EAR 912, much preferring the REF5SE, whilst giving serious consideration to moving on his, and In his words,

"Far less musical" 509's , the ARC combo are staying with him!

An audiophile acquaintance has only recently completed his home trial period with an ARC REF 5SE / REF 75 combo, and has part Ex'd his previous incumbent EAR 912, much preferring the REF5SE, whilst giving serious consideration to moving on his, and In his words,

"Far less musical" 509's , the ARC combo are staying with him!