Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

Let's keep the SE discussions in this thread.

I live in the Far East so it was more attractive to trade the Ref5 back to the local dealer to get the SE.

Since this is a new box, it's hard to do any real comparison. And also because it's now currently in my THIRD system ;)

I am currently using my Bel Canto DAC3.5/LNS which I had displaced from my main system recently with an EMM Labs XDS1 and partnered with, don't laugh, a Quad 12L Active studio monitors (internally bi-amped with Quad's Current Dump amps derived from the 909s ;P)

I had my Ref5 in this system just a few months ago but partnered with a W4S DAC2 as a source. And in the interim, I have used a Bladelius Embla on loan from a friend as a DAC/pre/CDP/media player.

One of things I liked about the Embla was how precise the imaging was vs the Ayon CD5S and the ARC before this. But it lacked the same kind of depth as with the tube designs.

With the REF5SE just out of the box, it appears as if that the imaging is more precise than the REF5. But while still maintaining the same 3Dimensionality.

Wait a couple months and get it cheap..when the new ref 6 comes out!

Hey Missioncoonery: Based on a call with Calvin at ARC, I understand the Ref 5 will be discontinued, to be replaced with the Ref 5 SE. So, I guess you might say that the SE IS the Ref 6, at least for a while.

If missioncoonery's mission statement is always to wait for the next best thing, he might never have to buy anything ever.

Everything gets replaced. :)

It's like guys always waiting for the next intel processor.

Just buy what you need and can afford.

To paraphrase something from another forum I read, be a "sharpener" when evaluating new gear for purchases. Then be a "leveller" and enjoy what you have.

Day two of the honeymoon.

I swear the bass performance of the 5SE seems to have a bit more bite than the 5 at 120 hours.