ARC LS-27 or ARC ref-3

I'm trying to get my local dealer to loan be an Ls-27. I might just take a shot and buy a Ref-3 here on Audiogon. I'm sure I can always get my cash back if I don't like it.

I was wanting buy a REF3 but after speaking the Dave Gordon and Calvin from ARC at RMAF, I will wait to buy the LS27. The implimentation of improvements they gained in the design of the REF5 have filtered their way into the design of the LS27. From what I understand the power supply alone is better than the one used in the REF3. My local dealer has just sold his LS17se and feels it may rival the performance of the LS26. Those folks at ARC are doing some really great stuff these days.

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Taters, the LS27 may be better than the Reff3, I've never heard the LS27, but the Ref3 is a stellar preamp. You will be very pleased if you buy the Ref3.
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This is puzzling - according to a review in AS, Valin mentioned that he thought the differences between the REF3 and REF 5 were tiny,though he thought the 5 was an improvement (that the 40 anniv really gave him a good feel for the improvments). If the change (or improvement) is slight between the 3 and 5, how slight is the difference between the 27 and 3?

I have heard the ref 3 and LS 26, not in comparison but in seperate systems. Have not heard the 27 or ref5.

As an owner of a low hours LS-26 I too have considered which would be the right move to make and canvassed the opinion of someone who reviewed the LS-27 and as I do not have his permission (because I haven't yet asked) to post his comments he will remain anonymous. His comments were:

"I have used the Ref 3 but not in a very long time. I do recall comparing it to the LS-26 back in the day and thought the 26 was awfully close. But I did not have one handy to make a direct comparison to the 27. If I was making a choice between a Ref 3 and a 27 I would go for the 27. I do note that AR claims the 27 betters the 3. I can't confirm what is obviously marketing but it is not inconsistent with what I hear and recall."

I also spoke to someone @ ARC and their opinion was to make the jump to the LS-27 Vs a used Ref 3 but I temper, but do not totally discount, that with the fact my buying a used unit doesn't necessarily impact their balance sheet in a positive manner.

Having recently acquired new speakers this matter has taken a back seat in my audio upgrade path and I recently purchased some NOS 6H-30DR tubes for my LS-26 as a stop gap measure which I have yet to install...