ARC 5 SE vs ARC REF 10: Sonic Improvement Transformative or Evolutionary?

[battles]

Hi, this message goes out to those of you who own the REF10 and are/were former REF5SE owners. I'm currently using a REF5SE but am considering upgrading to the REF10. As you went from the 5SE to the 10, would you describe the sonic improvement as transformative or evolutionary? I'm not the type of audiophile who likes buying the best simply to know that I own the state of the art, so to this end, I'd greatly appreciate folk's honest opinions on whether they found the sonic upgrade between the 5SE and the 10 a good "return on investment" when considering the incremental cost between the two.

Many thanks,

Battles

 

[Elliot G.]

Hi, this message goes out to those of you who own the REF10 and are/were former REF5SE owners. I'm currently using a REF5SE but am considering upgrading to the REF10. As you went from the 5SE to the 10, would you describe the sonic improvement as transformative or evolutionary? I'm not the type of audiophile who likes buying the best simply to know that I own the state of the art, so to this end, I'd greatly appreciate folk's honest opinions on whether they found the sonic upgrade between the 5SE and the 10 a good "return on investment" when considering the incremental cost between the two.

Many thanks,

Battles

Just for kicks before I put my 2 cents in what is the rest of the gear in your system?

 

[battles]

Thanks Elliot. As you will remember, I recently "upgraded" from the ARC 250s to the ARC 75 .

Nola Baby Grand Ref Series II, Nola Ref Center Channel, JL Audio In Wall Subwoofers x2, Paradigm Sig Ref In Wall Surrounds, Spiral Groove SG 1.1 Turntable, Spiral Groove Centriod Tonearm, Ortofon MC Anna Cartidge, CAPSv3 Media Server w/ Redwine Audio Battery Power Supply, ARC REF 5SE & Phono 2SE, Bricasiti M1 DAC, Meridian 861v8, ARC REF 250s x3, ARC REF 75, Nordost Valhalla & Odin Cables, Audioquest Diamond USB, SilverCircle 5.0SE Conditioner, HRS SRX/M3X Racks & Isolation Bases

 

[Elliot G.]

Thanks Elliot. As you will remember, I recently "upgraded" from the ARC 250s to the ARC 75 .

Nola Baby Grand Ref Series II, Nola Ref Center Channel, JL Audio In Wall Subwoofers x2, Paradigm Sig Ref In Wall Surrounds, Spiral Groove SG 1.1 Turntable, Spiral Groove Centriod Tonearm, Ortofon MC Anna Cartidge, CAPSv3 Media Server w/ Redwine Audio Battery Power Supply, ARC REF 5SE & Phono 2SE, Bricasiti M1 DAC, Meridian 861v8, ARC REF 250s x3, ARC REF 75, Nordost Valhalla & Odin Cables, Audioquest Diamond USB, SilverCircle 5.0SE Conditioner, HRS SRX/M3X Racks & Isolation Bases

Very interesting. My friend and client has the Nola's BG2 with ARC Ref 250's. We tried the REF 75 in that system and both preferred the 250's. He had a REF 5se before going to the REF 10. The REF 10 did a few major things in his system. First it is quieter and the system sounds large and even more spacious and relaxed throughout the entire sound spectrum. This also improved the low level dynamics. We both call the spooky factor. I mean by that one some of the best recordings it just sounds amazing. Keith Jarrett Koln concert ( he has the same computer set up with an MSB diamond DAC) Anders Osborne Coming Down not hi res but killer, Dayan Kai - Looking for a home an amazing example of the you are there factor.
I dont believe this change is minor or just a hi fi upgrade I believe it is a paradigm change in the bringing realism t oa system like the one you already own.
Good Luck and enjoy,

 

[Amado]

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