[doggiehowser]

I don't know if the GS is going for the Reference series per se.

Yes it is a more stylized look vs the industrial looking Reference series (which I love btw).

But in terms of functionality, there's a lot more integration. The integrated sports a DAC and a phono preamp. The preamp also includes a phono preamp and headphone amp. These are IMHO very different design goals than the Reference series - which are do one thing and do it supremely well boxes.

The sound character as I understand it - is also different. The GS has a less "tube" glow sound vs the Reference 5SE based on a friend's experience. I don't know if the Ref6 will follow in that same direction - but if I were ARC, I'd just keep refining the Reference series to do what it always does but better. And use the Galileo to explore an alternative line/direction.

IMHO.

There's a reason why Porsche doesn't just make one range of cars. And they are all good. But different.