Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

Well, a year later, my Ref 5 SE was just delv'd. I've got about 5 or 6 hours on it. ARC also changed out all of the 6H30 tubes too. I won't embarrass myself by sharing reactions yet. Chris Osanna said break-in should take 300 hours on upgraded units. I'll be back. Ok, just one comment -- the SE sounds different than the Ref 5. That it for now.

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Be sure to get back here with your review after the break-in, the suspense is killing me.

mitch
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Ok guys. I have about 300 hours on the Ref 5 SE. I guess it's run in by now. Here's my reactions FWIW.

Yeah, I think the SE version has a more refined sound presentation. Just sounds a bit smoother. Better bass and punchier -- probably because the power supply was doubled. Was it worth $2500? Sure, why not??? Is it a day and night difference?? A "whole nuther' league"?? I don't think so. Still has the ARC house sound.

Do I recommend getting the upgrade done? If you have the spare change . . . sure. If there's something else you're looking to do, and it's either option A or the SE upgrade, but not both, . . . tough call. I s'pose' it depends on what you have in mind.

Maybe I sound a bit reserved because I think I've reached the point of diminishing returns. I think I'd have to spend a heck of a lot more change to squeeze much more out of my current rig, e.g., change out my $7K ARC VS-115 amp for a $12K or $13K ARC Ref 150 amp, new speakers, and so forth.

Actually, I'm planning on auditioning a pair of Quattro Woods at a nearby Vandy dealer this week. The Quattros will be driven by an ARC VS-115 amp the dealer took in trade. I'll come back with some reactions for you Vandy fans. For some reason, I'm dubious that I'll get blown away.

I realize that some feel my Paradigm Sig. 8s are "mid-fi" speakers. Fact is that the Quattros and S8s cost about the same and Paradigm can pack a heck of a lot of R&D and QC into the S8s because of economies of scale and because they build pretty much everything in-house. That's all I'll say. Don't want to start another speaker war.

Cheers.

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Thanks Bif, I've been waiting for your review.
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I just replaced my Ref3 with a 5SE. There are clearly discernable improvements in background quiet, detail, and soundstage definition. A "whole new ballgame", no, not really. Am I satisfied? Yes I will be able to live with this unit for many years without the need to upgrade. By the way the wait list for my Ref Phono 2 SE upgrade is now 6 mos and cost is $3K.