Pbnaudio: I took a pass at 2 options. Option 1- I had to send the Ref 5 to an ARC dealer who in turn would send it to ARC. He said he would send me a pre as a loaner. Too much trouble dealing with common carriers and it would have extended the whole process because of the time lost dealing with the dealer. Option 2 - a local audio guy agreed to rent me a Classe pre for $100. That option is open, but I've been too busy to drive to his store, which is 45 mins away. Bottom line is that I just sent the Ref 5 to ARC and the factory took delivery yesterday. I'm hoping ARC can do the turn-a-round within a week. Meanwhile, my rig is "Out of Order" and my wife is happy and I am sad. :>(
Eearl: I signed up ONE YEAR ago. I was #4 on the list at that time. The reason for the delay was supplier problems. Kal explained that a key supplier's factory burned down and ARC was having difficulties getting critical parts -- just enough to meet current production demands, but not enough to do upgrades. My suggestion is to call Kal. The situation may be corrected and turn-a-round may be improved. I wish you luck.
Meanwhile, I'm waiting to get mt Ref 5 SE back. I've been assured by others that the improvement will be worth the bucks and wait. I'm dubious. I've come to believe that further improvements will cost disproportionate amount of bucks -- law of diminishing returns. As I mentioned before, future bucks will be spent on picking up new LPs and CDs, and maybe trying out a new carty. In the meantime, I will listen to music and stop listening to equipment.
Eearl: I signed up ONE YEAR ago. I was #4 on the list at that time. The reason for the delay was supplier problems. Kal explained that a key supplier's factory burned down and ARC was having difficulties getting critical parts -- just enough to meet current production demands, but not enough to do upgrades. My suggestion is to call Kal. The situation may be corrected and turn-a-round may be improved. I wish you luck.
Meanwhile, I'm waiting to get mt Ref 5 SE back. I've been assured by others that the improvement will be worth the bucks and wait. I'm dubious. I've come to believe that further improvements will cost disproportionate amount of bucks -- law of diminishing returns. As I mentioned before, future bucks will be spent on picking up new LPs and CDs, and maybe trying out a new carty. In the meantime, I will listen to music and stop listening to equipment.