The Audio Research Reference 10 is here $30k

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I cannot afford to buy the Reference products new, but when they come up for sale on the used market several years later they are good buys. Frome $25k new, the Ref Anniversary is now down to $14k on the used market. In a couple of years, I will be able to afford one...and it will still be a great preamp.

My Ref3 is eight years old and it still brings tears to my eyes when I play it. I have no doubt that the Ref Anniversary that I buy in two years will be a stellar preamp.
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Mitch, nice! Doesn't sound like you need it! How do you know it will bring you closer to the music than you already are! Sounds like you have made it...congrats!

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Thanks for the kind words Pops. I'm certainly content with my current preamp, but the curiosity of the Ref5 SE and the Ref Anniversary is driving me nuts!
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No thanks, I will wait for the Reference 20 MKII, which should be available sometime next year for $50K

I consider the ARC sound to be analytical as opposed to musical. When people hear "more" with ARC electronics they assume that means better, but I'm not sure. ARC is "clinical" as opposed to musical, according to my sensibilities. Although I can't afford that particular preamp, I'm not sure I would buy ARC, even if I could afford it.