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Why did you switch from Audio Research Ref 3?

The Audio Research Ref 3 has garnered rave reviews from the
audiophile press. Many of us have changed from a Ref 3 to other Preamps. Why have you decided to make a change? What Preamp replaced the Ref 3 in your system?
Was the new component a better choice?
c_pasa
schipo
1,268 posts
 
Most of the time it's not the sound that makes people make the change, just new eye candy.
Post removed 
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
I switched from ARC Ref 3 to a Jeff Rowland Design Capri linestage. My decision was based on sonic/musical attributes alone. In spite of its diminutive size and much lower price point, after 500 to 700 hours of break in, I found Capri preferable to Ref 3 in the following areas: top to bottom frequency extension, linearity/precision, harmonic exposure, low level detail, macro and micro dynamics, delicacy of treble, authority, instrument separation, overall engaging musicality.
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