Finally able to compare Ref 5SE with Ref 10

[Sharp 1080]

My dealer dropped off his demo Reference 10 preamplifier so I could listen to it in my own system. I checked the status of the tubes on the unit and it only has 231 hours! My Ref 5SE has 1120 hours on it's tubes. I have only listened briefly and the first thing that is obvious is the Ref 10 reproduces the music effortlessly. I have always read about that happening but to experience it at home is amazing. Much more time to listen this evening since I will be uninterrupted.

[2fastdriving]

Awesome. Have you tried the ref6 at home yet?

[Sharp 1080]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Awesome. Have you tried the ref6 at home yet?

Not yet. I will eventually listen to it after returning the Ref 10 which is going to be difficult.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Sharp 1080

Not yet. I will eventually listen to it after returning the Ref 10 which is going to be difficult.

Yeah... It's all going to be difficult I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts after listening to all three of these incredible preamps. You can't go wrong with any of them! I haven't heard the Ref 10 (at home... Heard at shows) but I know how good the ref6 is. Considering the price is about the same as the ref5, it's an amazing value. I absolutely love mine.

[Formerly YB-2]

Can the display on the Ref series preamps (line & phono) be turned off?
Small signal tubes are generally good for 10,000+ hours. Thermal cycling (turning them on & off) is harder on them then actually using them. The only tube in the ARC Ref6 preamps that might last fewer hours would be the 6550 used as a voltage regulator in the power supply.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Can the display on the Ref series preamps (line & phono) be turned off?

Yup!

[Sharp 1080]

The first thing I did on the Ref 10 was toggle the display to off. I also changed the front font color. Background colors can be selected and changed also. I listen in low light or no lights on.

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

My Ref 10 now has 170 hours on it. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Smooth and effortless treble. Liquid midrange with terrific body and dimension. Huge soundstage, both wide and deep with holographic imaging. Bass that goes very deep with weight and pace. One of the best sounding components I've ever owned, period.

Best,
Ken

[Sharp 1080]

Originally Posted by PlanarSpeakerFan

My Ref 10 now has 170 hours on it. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Smooth and effortless treble. Liquid midrange with terrific body and dimension. Huge soundstage, both wide and deep with holographic imaging. Bass that goes very deep with weight and pace. One of the best sounding components I've ever owned, period.

Best,
Ken

You are not helping Ken!

That is what I keep noticing about it. The soundstage is wider and more 3D than my Ref5SE. The midrange is so smooth and as stated before effortless extending with both top and bottom frequencies. The layers of depth retrieval on good recordings is amazing indeed. It's like my dealer said this morning. It's not like the Reference 5SE is bad at all. The Reference 10 just brings out that much more in the recording of comparing the two. Ignorance is indeed bliss.
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[2fastdriving]

And it is said that the ref6 splits the difference. Tough choices ahead! Haha