Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

Darkstar,

I was told by my dealer that yes, it does include the change in the front faceplate and it has to be shipped back to the factory for the change.

And I agree, the Ref5 has been around for about 2-3 years now so it doesn't feel like product churn.

Darkstar, I spoke with Calvin today about the Ref 5 SE and he confirmed what Doggiehowser said. Yup - new face plate. I even asked Calvin if I could keep the old face-plate so my wife wouldn't catch the change. He said nothin' doin'. I guess I'll take my luck -- I've signed up. Should hear back from ARC by end of January/early February for the my upgrade. Calvin also mentioned that ARC will do the upgrade for an indefinite period of time. Point being that folks on the sideline don't have to rush to a decision -- at least that's what Calvin said.

It is important to note that ARC stresses that the updated Ref 5/5se's will be identical to a newly manufactured 5se in every way, zero difference. As a current Ref 5 owner, I am happy with this.
Also, regarding the usual silly comments that ARC is always updating products, the facts are that they generally go five years between new models. The ref 5 is less because the unit was already a very fine piece that benefits greatly from an even stiffer power supply and new capacitor materials, and is a fairly simple update. I applaud them for making the update available.

>>I even asked Calvin if I could keep the old face-plate so my wife wouldn't catch the change. He said nothin' doin'. <<

Chuckle! Maybe you could tape little black square pieces of paper over the metal buttons.

I applaud ARC's business model and their success bears it out.

Anyone know how much the update will cost?