ARC ref 3... what next?

[Tim F]

So out of the blue I have a buyer for my ARC reference 3. With some different valves in I was happy with it, except for the treble which just wasn’t quite bright enough (not far off). In terms of large scale imaging what would be the next step up?

I have a budget of <£5k and and will look for second hand. Also want something that I can sell on in the future so ideally not so esoteric that no one has heard of it. Rest of system is Auralic Aries Femto, Ideon reclocker, Lampizator GG2 and Focal Scala Utopia.

Thanks Tim

 

[Tim F]

Oh and ARC V140 monoblocks!

 

[Direct Drive]

I moved from ARC (admittedly not a Refund, but LS series) to Leben RS-28cx....revelation. Soundstange was immense by comparison. No regrets. No need orvwant to change 3 years on. I appreciate your budget on basis of secondhand is greater, just a thought.

 

[microstrip]

So out of the blue I have a buyer for my ARC reference 3. With some different valves in I was happy with it, except for the treble which just wasn’t quite bright enough (not far off). In terms of large scale imaging what would be the next step up?

I have a budget of <£5k and and will look for second hand. Also want something that I can sell on in the future so ideally not so esoteric that no one has heard of it. Rest of system is Auralic Aries Femto, Ideon reclocker, Lampizator GG2 and Focal Scala Utopia.

Thanks Tim

I moved from ARC REF3 to REF5 and improvement was mainly in articulation, treble and detail.
As far as I remember the V140 had only balanced input and were fully balanced - no input inverter stage - and need a true balanced signal.

Although more expensive than the REF5, an used ARC REF40 is a real bargain.

 

[tima]

I moved from ARC REF3 to REF5 and improvement was mainly in articulation, treble and detail.
As far as I remember the V140 had only balanced input and were fully balanced - no input inverter stage - and need a true balanced signal.

Although more expensive than the REF5, an used ARC REF40 is a real bargain.

The cost differential between a used REF5 and a used REF5SE is around $1000. Having used both, I'd say the REF5SE is the better deal. ARC gear holds its resale very well.

 

[microstrip]

The cost differential between a used REF5 and a used REF5SE is around $1000. Having used both, I'd say the REF5SE is the better deal. ARC gear holds its resale very well.

Yes, the SE version is a significant improvement. But harder to get at a nice price!

 

[Tim F]

Thanks all, this is really helpful. I shall get looking! If anyone is UK based and has something good around the £5k mark let me know.

 

[thedudeabides]

Consider the Conrad Johnson ET5 or later. A used 5 goes for $4K US.

 

[ayreman]

So out of the blue I have a buyer for my ARC reference 3. With some different valves in I was happy with it, except for the treble which just wasn’t quite bright enough (not far off). In terms of large scale imaging what would be the next step up?

I have a budget of <£5k and and will look for second hand. Also want something that I can sell on in the future so ideally not so esoteric that no one has heard of it. Rest of system is Auralic Aries Femto, Ideon reclocker, Lampizator GG2 and Focal Scala Utopia.

Thanks Tim

There is a much smarter way of spending your <£5k budget. Spend it on top-of-the-line parts and use them to replace the junk inside your Ref 3. As result, your modded Ref 3 will outperform Ref 10 (in stock) by a long shot. I've done exactly that. The result is otherworldly and totally beyond description.

 

[Tim F]

Ayreman I’ve already sold it

 

[Tim F]

How would the sound of the CJ be compared to ARC?

 

[thedudeabides]

Haven't heard the ARC. How does the CJ sound? Wonderfully musical. Read the reviews for the ET5 and later versions. I've found them to be spot on. But if you want a pre that has a pronounced top end bias, look elsewhere.

 

[Tim F]

Thanks, I don’t need too much warmth, neutral or bright would probably be best.

 

[Tim F]

Be great to get a few more opinions as there are so many experienced people on here. I may up my budget if something is worth it too.