I used to own both the ARC Ref 5SE and Ref 2SE and really enjoyed that combination with the Wilson Sashas. I don't think you'll be disappointed with the 5SE. In the last year or two, I upgraded to the ARC Ref 6 and Ref 3 Phono and they are even better. The 6 is a big jump IMO from the 5SE with a tighter bottom end and wider soundstage in my system. The Ref 3 Phono is an improvement over the 2SE but less so than the linestage upgrade. Bottom line: if you can swing the Ref 6, do it, but the 5SE is superb and a great match (sonically and visually) with the 2SE. Add an ARC amp and you're set!
Last edited by lem321; 03-08-2020 at 02:51 PM.
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