Audio Research Reference 5 Preamp

Rx8man - Consider the REF 5 the 'REF 3 MkII' - an expensive 'upgrade' where you send your REF 3 to someone else and receive the REF 5 back for 12k minus the money you got for selling your REF 3.

I read the discussion on AVguide as well on the Ref 5.

While I am sure it will be glowing review when they (TAS and Stereophile) review it as soon as it goes to production.
How could it not be?

Sorry, but I cannot help but think...this is a 12K + unit...in this economy...who the heck can spend this kind of jack on components at this time??

Isn't it amazing that after all this time and effort, there's still room for "substantial" improvement in even the most expensive products?

You have to hand it to ARC. They sure know how to extract cash from their clientele. They know that a certain percentage of there Ref-3 owners will trade up for the new model. I guess that's how they stay in business.

Thats pretty much how "everyone" stays in business.