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Audio Research State of the Art Audio Reproduction

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  #11  
Old 11-11-2017, 08:33 PM
jpgr4blu jpgr4blu is offline
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Agree with Lost Bears on Shunyata.
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  #12  
Old 11-12-2017, 02:15 AM
tima tima is offline
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The 2011 REF 5SE came with a Sovtek 6550C for its power supply. At some point the supply of those tubes became no longer reliable - the latter tubes could not hold up over time to the specs ARC expected them to meet - and it was changed out for the Sovtek 6550WE. Depending on how many hours are on the unit you plan to purchase it could have either tube. The 5SE manual will tell you 4000 hrs lifespan for all tubes. The 6550 should be good for at least ~2000. The 6H30s should be good for ~ 4000 - 6000 hrs. With a used or new 5SE It's not a bad idea to keep a full replacement set on hand.

There may have been minor software updates to the unit over time. Those should not impact sonics.

As far as the power cord goes, take Sharp1080's advice and use the stock cord while you learn what the 5SE does for your system. It is actually well built and a very nice sounding cord - you'll see by comparing it to other cords that came with your gear. Yes, you can change the sound by using after market power cords and Shunyata is a solid suggestion, though there are others. While I had it, I ran my 5SE with a Shunyata Anaconda.

If you send the serial number of the unit you're thinking about buying to Audio Research they should be able to tell you if it was in for repairs.

The 5SE is an excellent linestage that should give you years of musical enjoyment.
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  #13  
Old 11-12-2017, 03:42 AM
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oddeophile oddeophile is offline
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They came with Svetlana Winged C 6550C Tubes not Sovtek. If you really want to know how good your ARC can sound obtain the rare GE 6550 circa 1972-1980
The welded plate ones sound the best from the early years. In my Ref 40 they are sublime.
There are a couple of dealers that are reputable that still carry them.
I also dumped the black O rings in favor of Herbies RX dampers on all the tubes including the GE 6550’s. Far more natural open transparent and immense soundstage. Very highly recommended. Also place them a tad higher on the 6H30 tubes than ARC shows. Sweeter more dynamically natural etc.
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  #14  
Old 11-12-2017, 11:41 AM
Tie_breaker Tie_breaker is offline
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Great advice all, thank you!... Some serial numbers are 8 digits and some are 5 which I found interesting... I ended up buying a unit with 5 digit serial which per ARC was manufactured in August 2015. It should have the green board and metal remote as it is a recent one.
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  #15  
Old 11-12-2017, 12:10 PM
FDPDK FDPDK is offline
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Congratulations with your ARC Ref 5 se, lets us know how it sounds / performs.
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  #16  
Old 11-12-2017, 12:26 PM
Tie_breaker Tie_breaker is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FDPDK View Post
Congratulations with your ARC Ref 5 se, lets us know how it sounds / performs.
Thank you! I am very excited, I should get it by next weekend..
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  #17  
Old 11-12-2017, 04:13 PM
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oddeophile oddeophile is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FDPDK View Post
Congratulations with your ARC Ref 5 se, lets us know how it sounds / performs.


+1. Enjoy. You’re going to love it.
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  #18  
Old 11-19-2017, 12:36 PM
Tie_breaker Tie_breaker is offline
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I received the Ref 5se and have been listening to it this weekend. My first impressions are very positive. I have been listening to my favorites with great enjoyment. More details I had not picked up before, overall sound is more balanced, warmer, voices and instruments are more natural and more distinct.
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  #19  
Old 11-19-2017, 01:25 PM
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Congratulations! My Ref 5se continues to amaze me.
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  #20  
Old 11-19-2017, 01:55 PM
2fastdriving 2fastdriving is offline
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Congratulations! Great preamp
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