Audio Research Corp Ref 5 SE

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.

Thanks for that info Dbarger. I will absolutely keep an open mind and look forward to even better listening. Btw, ARC told me that upgraded Ref 5s should take only 300 hours to break in. I think real-time experiences like yours are helpful to know.

Hi, yes I would like to say thankyou as well.Im at 320 hours,and still not sure what to expect.

What does everyone notice as the 'break in' process completes somewhere between 300-600 hours with ARC procducts?

I recently purchased both ARC Ref 250 monos and an ARC Ref Phono 2SE to replace a Rowland 302 and Rowland Cadence phono. Still using the Rowland Synergy IIi as I await the funds for a Ref 5SE preamp.

In my system, replacing the Rowland with ARC, I noticed a more open sound, better ambience retrieval of space, more detail. Bass slam was similar. With the Rowland gear, the sound was a tad dark, but with ARC (so far) I'm getting a thinning in the midrange that I miss a bit compared to the midrange solidity of the Rowland. Not sure what synergy I would get with a Ref 5SE to complete the ARC electronics, etc.

Very good question Phil. Perhaps Dbarger will illuminate us. Here's a 10,000 foot response at 350 hours. I think the changes ARE occurring but are very subtle. That's why it's hard for me to be more specific.

But I can say this. The natural synergy that exists between the Ref 5 SE and my other ARC components cannot be overstated. I really enjoy listening to the music, especially when working at home. Just pop in a CD and listen to Mile Davis jazz -- heaven.

As an aside, on the one hand, I have gained immeasurably from reading the OPs on the Forum. But OTOH, on occassion, the "techno-speak" causes me to listen to the gear and NOT the music.

Just recently, I have been obsessing about amp and speaker compatibility. After having auditioned a pair of Vandies and my S8s -- no more. I'm doing just fine as is. I'm just going to listen to the music and settle down. My problem is that I am a frustrated EE audio equipment designer and just plain too dumb to be a EE audio equipment audio designer.

Sorry Ralph (Atmasphere). I would have loved to work at your company in a zero negative feedback environment. Just not smart enough. And too, I've come to hate odd-numbered harmonic distortion. I'd drive both of us crazy.

Cheers ;>)