ARC LS-27 or ARC ref-3

Woooaaah. Bifwynne--why such urgency in your post? This isn't a race. I'm sure both pieces are nice and the differences between them are relatively small. ARC sells lots of units and updates their product line with (some say too frequent) regularity. Taters, I'd suggest taking your time, enjoying what you have, gathering opinions here and elsewhere and, most importantly, trying to audition both units (ideally in your own system) before making a decision. Enjoy the journey for crying out loud! Undoubtedly the price will come down while you are patiently making an informed choice and you will be more certain you did the right thing once you have the new preamp inserted in your system. Then you can begin thinking about your next upgrade!

I'd choose the REF3 if it were my money.

If you can't rob a bank for the ref5, go for the ls27. It's a wonderful piece.

Dodge. . . , the only reason why I counsel decisiveness is because LS 27s don't come around very often. Ref 3s do. The LS 27 currently for sale is practically brand new. If Taters is a serious buyer and is really trying to decide between these two pieces, I would NOT take my time. Of course, IMHO.

I have not compared the Ref 3 with the LS27. I do own an LS27 and I'm super happy with it.

Mike