Why did you switch from Audio Research Ref 3?

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.

In *comparison, the music/musicians of the REF3 sounded somewhat 'lazy' and thus much less engaging. Also felt layers of veil (which I had not even noticed before was there) evaporated from between me and the performers. I would not have believed myself had someone told me that REF3 could be improved in such 'magnitude' until I heard and compared them first hand, in my, and few other different set-ups. The ARC REF3 was a satisfying pre-amp, however, I moved up to the FM Acoustics *FM266MKII, then recently the FM268.

Yes,I also had the REF 3 for a short duration,it is a very competent and impressive pre amp.Long story short,I was so intrigued by Guidocoronas favourable review of the Capri I bought one.Nice piece,it just didn't work well in my system which brings us to the "nut" of this hobby/obsession.It's all about harmony and synergy with your components.What works well for me, may not for you.I sold the REF 3 on the basis that the money could be better spent on amplification.My current pre amp is an Audio Horizons.

Markwatkiss said;

"It's all about harmony and synergy with your components.What works well for me, may not for you."

Well put and I fully agree, I still have my ARC REF3 and I'm fully enjoying it.

Bvdiman, FM Acoustics; never had the chance yet to hear but look forward to doing so in the near future but when I see the list prices I'm just amazed and shake my head saying that's crazy how can this be worth that much, that pre-amp you make reference to how much $80-90 thousand US dollars list. Is it 100 times better than your old Ref3. I have had some ultra expensive pces in my system and some were okay and some terrible but to date I have found once you get to a curtain level the differences are slight and usually just a personal preference. I have MBL 101E speakers, do you have any recomendations pre and amp (mono block preference do to set-up config) that would work well with them, line only no phono with this set-up.

Hoping not to steal this thread, I've been considering the ARC Ref 3, VTL 6.5, the Cary SLP-05, the ARC LS-26 and the McIntosh C2300 as I move to 2 channel only. The problem is no in my area carries any of these so I can't audition anything.

My main speakers are B&W 802D, my CD player is a Cary 303/300 (which I like the sound of) and the amp is a Spectron Musician III SE MK2 with V-Cap option for added liquidty. I listen to all types of music except for hard rock/rap.

I want to add a tube based preamp as it will go well with the IEC based Spectron but have no idea what to get. I read countless reviews here, on Stereophile and in other magazines and Audio review.

Does anyone have something close to a SS amp using a tube preamp with B&W dimaond series speakers and if so what would your recommendations be?

Thanks in advance.