Ref 5 vs. Ref 5SE

[tima]

Originally Posted by soundslikemusic

When you guys upgraded from say ls27 to ref3, then ref5 and ref 5se does the system become more unforgiving of poor or not so stellar recordings? I don't want to give up the musicality for more details as you go higher in the preamp chain. Thanks.

The better your system the more likely it is to present sources for what they are, which also means that better quality recordings will show themselves as such. And there are cases where records or discs you thought sounded poorly will improve when played on better components - as well as just the opposite. If current coloration is preferred, stick with current gear.

If the rest of your system is sufficiently resolving you will hear more detail from the Ref5SE than lower models. But detail is just one aspect of its virtue. You also may hear improved tonality, soundstage definition, clarity, dynamics, etc. One way to avoid the fear I hear you expressing is to keep components in relative balance to one another so that an upgrade brings greater improvement than the upstream weaknesses it exposes. True, the audiophile journey is often staggered with an upgrade to one component prompting the upgrade to another. Be that as it may, the Ref5SE is fine linestage that works well with a broad range of gear.

[2fastdriving]

+1 well said. One thing is certain, you don't "give anything up" as you move up the chain with arc pre's.

[jpgr4blu]

I've found that more often, what I thought were average or even rough recordings sound better as I move up the ARC chain. Less often, but on occasion, a bad recording sounds worse. Always, a great recording sounds better.

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

I've found that more often, what I thought were average or even rough recordings sound better as I move up the ARC chain. Less often, but on occasion, a bad recording sounds worse. Always, a great recording sounds better.

Which ARC Preamps have you owned previously ?

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by tima

The better your system the more likely it is to present sources for what they are, which also means that better quality recordings will show themselves as such. And there are cases where records or discs you thought sounded poorly will improve when played on better components - as well as just the opposite. If current coloration is preferred, stick with current gear. If the rest of your system is sufficiently resolving you will hear more detail from the Ref5SE than lower models. But detail is just one aspect of its virtue. You also may hear improved tonality, soundstage definition, clarity, dynamics, etc. One way to avoid the fear I hear you expressing is to keep components in relative balance to one another so that an upgrade brings greater improvement than the upstream weaknesses it exposes. True, the audiophile journey is often staggered with an upgrade to one component prompting the upgrade to another. Be that as it may, the Ref5SE is fine linestage that works well with a broad range of gear.

Very well said, Tim. Sounds like a quotable quote.

[cma29]

^^
Tim is a wizard with words (and correct grammar)

[tima]

Thank you.

[jpgr4blu]

Hi Mike:
Knew the Ref 3 well. I've owned a Ref 5 and Ref 40

[Mikeoz]

Originally Posted by jpgr4blu

Hi Mike:
Knew the Ref 3 well. I've owned a Ref 5 and Ref 40

Sorry this is slightly off topic but how did the Ref 5 compare with the Ref 3 (assume you mean non SE).

I currently have the option of buying a Ref 5 used. Hifi Critic claim Ref 5 30% better than Ref 3 (and Ref5SE 30% better than Ref 5). Ref5SE not really available yet on the used market and I'm tempted to pull the trigger as a interim step....

Many thanks
Mike

[soundslikemusic]

from what i read, ref3 to ref5 is NOT as a big difference from a REF5 to REF5 SE.

Personally, either a go with the REF3 then jump to a REF5SE... but am sure without having to compare all three, all three would sound splendid!!