Audio Research Ref 6SE preamp gets a TAS recommendation.
great review love Tom...He really is spot on about ARC and the REF6 in this reviewAudio Research Ref 6SE preamp gets a TAS recommendation.
Congratulations on the upgrade!I just traded up my ARC Ref 5SE to the ARC Ref 6SE at my local (150 miles away) dealer. After 10 days of listening I am thrilled with this upgrade. I hear much better bass, more clarity and more texture in voices. I still have the Ref 2SE Phono preamp. It doesn’t match the style of the Ref 6SE. That bugs me but I do not spend much time listening to vinyl these days to warrant an upgrade just to have matching components. On the other hand, would the Ref 3SE phono give me a similar step up in sound for my records?
In my case, the 3 to 3SE upgrade was worthwhile. Perhaps as dramatic as my 6 to 6SE upgrade.I just traded up my ARC Ref 5SE to the ARC Ref 6SE at my local (150 miles away) dealer. After 10 days of listening I am thrilled with this upgrade. I hear much better bass, more clarity and more texture in voices. I still have the Ref 2SE Phono preamp. It doesn’t match the style of the Ref 6SE. That bugs me but I do not spend much time listening to vinyl these days to warrant an upgrade just to have matching components. On the other hand, would the Ref 3SE phono give me a similar step up in sound for my records?
I’ve known Big Dog for several years through forums. I expect he will respond himself.Hi RJ,
Can you please describe how you determine a numeric percentage improvement "value" and the difference between a 38 vs 40% improvement? Best.
In my opinion, the Ref 6SE and Ref3SE phono go together like chocolate and peanut butter. That combo is what I'm mostly using right now. I review gear so things are always changing, but this combo is the best I've had in my system. I'm also using a Ref 80S, which sounds badass.Some good advice here. I'm starting to lean towards upgrading from the Ref 2SE to the Ref 3SE Phono preamp. I've been enamored with my new DAC and Streamer these past 6 months so that I have not played much vinyl. The biggest thing about my new digital side is the musicality and the rhythm and pace match my vinyl rig now- and I spent years of effort getting the rhythm and pace right in my vinyl rig. But that is for another thread.
My first ARC preamp was the SP-6b that I acquired in 1988. I used it for 14 years then switched to a SP-9MKII. Didn't like that one much so I bought a SP-15 which also let me go to MC Cartridges. I used the SP-15 for 15 years when I switched to the Ref 5SE. This time I worked up the nerve to jump to ARC's current offering, the Ref 6SE. I'm inclined to go back and get the Ref 3SE Phono. I'll have the complete set. I'm not giving up on vinyl- too invested in it. But in my system at least, the sound of vinyl and digital are merging. For me it was the rhythm and pace- that final piece of the puzzle, the flow of the music.
You’re painting with a pretty broad brush there.Music lovers will understand this comment moreso than audiophiles. Audiophiles seem to put constant heavy focus on the equipment, endless tweaks, and consider glossy mag reviews as the gospel from on high, instead of focusing on the primary objective which is the music.
Nothing wrong with being a audiophile, just means that you're more of a equipment hobbyist and love to constantly buy and sell components.
I personally don't buy a lot and rarely sell anything. "Buy once and right" policy defines me fairly well.
Please explain...You’re painting with a pretty broad brush there.
You’re suggesting that Audiophile and Music Lover are mutually exclusive terms. I’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money on my system therefore I don’t love music.Please explain...