Virtually all large audio companies come out with new and improved products every x number of years. For some companies, the improvements are marginal. IMHO, ARCs changes in the last 3 generations of preamps and amps have been significant. The Ref 150 was very noticeably better than the Ref 110 and the Ref 150se was a somewhat less noticeable improvement, but an improvement nevertheless, over the Ref 150. The same can be said for the Ref 3, 5 and 5se. I have not heard the Ref 6 in my system so I cannot comment on the degree of improvement there.
Until someone figures out the "perfect circuit" design (never) and the parts stop improving to implement advances in the circuit, we will continue to have improvements in design and sound.
I have owned audio products from other reputable companies where there is a struggle to detect significant sound improvements from one generation to the next. In this regard, I believe ARC deserves applause rather than condemnation.
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Wilson Alexia V, ARC Ref 160M MkII,Ref 40,Ref Phono2SE, Shunyata Triton3, Typhon, Sigma PCs, ICs & SCs, Spectral SDR4000SV (w MIT IC), Belcanto PL1, Oppo 205, Marantz 2270 (tuner only):AudioDesk and VPI record cleaners, Furutech Demag & Destat; Stillpoint Apertures, TechDas AF 3S Premium with SAT CF9 and Kuzma 4pt 9" arms, Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Dynavector XV1-t stereo and XV1-s mono carts, Miyajima mono, Shure V15VxMR,
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