Audio Research Reference 5 Preamp

Lougiants - You are correct in what you say.........

However - If the REF 5 is a 'significant' improvement over the REF 3, the "nudge" in price from 10K to 12K will be justified, regardless of the economic climate. I doubt they would have priced the REF 5 the same as the REF 3 or only 1K more, for that matter. The 'price point' of the REF 5, given the current economy, must have been a concern for ARC and they may have decided to be conservative with the increase, hoping for more unit sales rather than bigger profit per unit.....I'm only just guessing, I'm not in the manufacturing business.
Apparently Mr. Johnson has been working on this new design since the REF 3 was introduced. Whether it was ready then or only until recently, only ARC knows.
As a point of reference, when the ARC SP-10 was first introduced in the early 80's, the MSRP was 5K, a lot of money then as comparatively 12K is a lot of money now.
Despite the economy, there are those who have not been affected as much or at all, to whom the hi-end market appeals. Some are buying the REF 3 used now. Some will wait and buy the REF 5 used in the near future..........
Patience can pay off.

>>> Are people still able to fork out 12K for a pre-amp??<<<

To be blunt, likely only a small percentage of people that shop and chat on audio forums about their internet purchases--me included.

However, I just got back from my niece's wedding in Newport Beach. We took a harbor cruise for rehearsal dinner and drove around the neighborhoods in and around PCH 1, Laguna Niguel etc. The sheer number of million $ homes, boats and properties was _overwhelming_, not to forget about Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Chapel Hill, the Hamptons etc etc.

There are a lot more ultra wealthy folks in his country than you might realize--who are still ultra wealthy. Old money still runs our society and will always be there. Obviously the % that purchase HE Audio gear remains small but they are out there and don't forget overseas where the HE markets dwarf that of the US.

ARC is a great company that makes great products. Hopefully we wont lose any long standing, respected companies like theirs or we'll all be the worse for it

taters, the REF 3 was released 5 years ago and there have been no MK1 or MK2 versions.

Not to be political or anything ... but the way the FED is counterfieting money, we had all better buy our REF-5s now, because this time next year the price will be over 15k.

Anyone want to by my REF-3? :o)

Have any of you seen, heard bla! bla! the Ref3 Limited Edition. I saw one at a dealers the other day, didn't even know one existed, appearance rise it has silver handles and clearly marked "Limited Edition" I was told parts etc. trickled down from the Ref5 to construct this.

I'm looking foward to hearing the Ref5 and comparing it to my Ref3, it would be nice to hear from anyone who already has one and what your take is on it compared to the Ref3.