Ref6 vs ref6 se

Biketony

Well-Known Member
Nov 6, 2019
11
9
68
63
I have a ref6. I have yet to see anyone post evaluation of the ref6 vs a ref6se. Can anyone tell me what SQ difference is between the two ? And if the 3k upgrade is worth not having my preamp for 6 week.
 

lem321

Well-Known Member
Feb 7, 2014
79
39
323
I have a ref6. I have yet to see anyone post evaluation of the ref6 vs a ref6se. Can anyone tell me what SQ difference is between the two ? And if the 3k upgrade is worth not having my preamp for 6 week.

I got both my upgraded 6SE and Phono 3SE back from ARC in the last week. The turnaround time was about a month door-to-door. A pleasant surprise was that the upgrades included a thicker 0.236 inch poly top cover which they say is much less prone to warping. It has a nicely finished beveled edge and sits slightly higher than the side panels.

It's a bit early to fully assess the changes in sound quality but what I hear so far, I like. In particular, the 6SE's bottom end seems to have more punch and "drive" for lack of a better term. Vocals seem also more fleshed out, the soundstage is about the same width but "denser." It's somewhat harder to distinguish what improvements I hear with the 3SE phono stage as I cannot separate it from changes heard with the 6SE. Overall, IMO, the upgrade investment was worthwhile.
 

Biketony

Well-Known Member
Nov 6, 2019
11
9
68
63
Thank you for the reply. Have you used the ref6se with any other component other then the phono 3se ?
 

lem321

Well-Known Member
Feb 7, 2014
79
39
323
Thank you for the reply. Have you used the ref6se with any other component other then the phono 3se ?
Yes, I've played CD's on my ARC Ref 9 with similar results. Improvements in bass, and midrange (especially voice) density and fullness. Although $3K is not cheap (actually $2700 + shipping to ARC), it does increase the value of your 6/6SE if and when you decided to sell. I appreciate that ARC is able to offer their latest improvements for the difference in price between the previous and current models.
 

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