Ref 5 vs. Ref 5SE
 

Hi Guys,

I may be getting my hands on a Ref 5 in the coming weeks and I've been thinking that if I buy it, perhaps I would upgrade it to the SE version, but I was curious on any thoughts as to how big a difference the upgrade really makes. What do ya'll think? Would you consider this a no brainer or just a nice to have? What do you feel are the differences between the 5 and the 5SE?

I'm interested in this.

The Teflon caps are a significant improvement in sq. more open, transparent and better soundstage. Definitely worth the upgrade.

Does the ARC REF 5 SE have home theater bypass? If so, does it turn off the tubes like the Cary SLP-05? How well does it work? Does the SSP then control the volume?

Yes, it does have theater bypass mode but the tubes stay on.

The Ref 5 SE is a sweet unit. At 500 hrs is sounds wonderful.

I don't doubt that for a second...I LOVED the LS27 and the 5SE should crush it, but how much sweeter than the regular Ref 5? The price of the upgrade isn't out of the question, but I'd certainly rather not spend it if it's not a significant upgrade.

Casey -

I can't comment on the difference between the 5 and the 5 SE. Now, i am very familiar with the LS 27 - I owned one.

The difference between these is tremendous. I really liked the 27 when I bought it 2 yrs ago. Earlier this year I upgraded to the 5 SE and was extremely impressed with the upgrade. While the 27 is one of the best LS at its price point, the 5 SE is superior across the board - awesome bottom end, fantastic soundstage and a very clean top end. Very musical, accurate and non fatiguing.

If you can do the 5 SE, go for it. If not, the 5 could be a great step. Then, do the upgrade as soon as you can. Now, I would check with ARC on how much longer they will offer the upgrade.

I loved the Ref5.

The 5SE is much better again.

Both have a PROC input which is the same thing as HT bypass. It's a great way to run in the system :D I like that it has XLR for HT bypass

I owned a Ref 3, Ref 5, and now Ref 5SE. Each was a nice step up. I would say the step from 5 to 5SE is greater than 3 to 5. It is much more dynamic, rhythmic, faster, and yes, musical. You are much more likely to listen to an entire album than on the previous preamps. They turned up the Naim qualities, as well as overall resolution. Couple it with a Ref 150 and relax for several years...
It really does keep getting better. I have noticed gains in musicality even after 500 hrs. Wish it were not the case, but it is. It is great from the start, it just gets even better.