Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

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.

Thanks Djcxxx. Your comments kinda' substantiate my general reactions that at some point, there are diminishing returns.

I used to own the Ref 3 too. I had the same reactions as did you about the change from the Ref 3 to the Ref 5, and then again to the Ref 5 SE. By the way, for the benefit of those folks who own a Ref 3, let me assure you, IMO, it's still one heck of a great linestage. Sorta' makes me chuckle when I read that going from component A to component B will be a "day and night difference."

As I mentioned elsewhere, I may be going down upgrade alley again, but this time with speakers. Paradigm S8s to Vandy Quattro Woods, maybe?? Reason: I have agita that the S8s may not be a good electrical match for my ARC tube amp.

The dealer will drive the Vandies with the same ARC tube amp that I own. Now that will be an interesting audition.

Well, I have to tell you, at 300 hours, it is NOT broken in. You will still undergo noticeable improvements. I also owned a Ref3, and then Ref5, and now the 5se. It is after the 500-600 hour mark that the benefits are most apparent. Yes, prior to that, it is marginally better than its predecessors. But after about 600 hrs, it is noticeably better, imo. You really can't make these judgements yet as to where it will end up.