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  #11  
Old 11-26-2012, 03:52 PM
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Thanks for the input, guitardave!
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  #12  
Old 11-27-2012, 12:58 AM
luchocastro luchocastro is offline
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I owned a Ref 5 and put about 1500 hours on the tubes. Traded it for a Ref 5SE and can say that the difference was much greater than I expected. It is definately worth the upgrade and I only have about 200 hours on the Ref 5 SE. Can't wait to reach the 600 hours.
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  #13  
Old 11-27-2012, 04:31 PM
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Default Ref 5SE @ 71 hours

A year ago I bought a Ref 5, used in great condition but decided to upgrade to SE. Because of uncertainty when the upgrade could be done and because it had to be done locally (I live in Europe) I decided to go for a new Ref 5SE, so have had a chance to compare the two. The Ref 5 was great in my system, harmonically rich with precise imaging and a 3D layered sound stage, in big works and small jazz groups. Everything was where it should be and sounding right. While waiting for the new preamp, I was wondering why I was making the change. However, out of the box the SE seemed superior, delivering a bigger sound with improved bass response. Big, bold and breathy. Diana Krall's voice on Quiet Nights, for example, very sensuous; and it sorted out the rather confused guitar cords on Suzanne Vega's Luka like no other component I have experienced. It was like the Ref 5 on steroids. Lately I noted some inconsistency at about 60 hours but there is a long way to go to 500. BTW, the SE comes with a more precise metal remote to replace the miserable plastic thing that came with the other machine.
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  #14  
Old 11-27-2012, 04:46 PM
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Cascais... Welcome!
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  #15  
Old 11-27-2012, 04:52 PM
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Thanks for the feedback guys! It sounds like the SE upgrade is definitely the thing to do.
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  #16  
Old 11-27-2012, 04:54 PM
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Cascais, welcome!
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  #17  
Old 11-27-2012, 06:40 PM
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Thanks for the welcome, gentlemen.
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  #18  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:46 PM
Ritmo Ritmo is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cascais View Post
A year ago I bought a Ref 5, used in great condition but decided to upgrade to SE. Because of uncertainty when the upgrade could be done and because it had to be done locally (I live in Europe) I decided to go for a new Ref 5SE, so have had a chance to compare the two. The Ref 5 was great in my system, harmonically rich with precise imaging and a 3D layered sound stage, in big works and small jazz groups. Everything was where it should be and sounding right. While waiting for the new preamp, I was wondering why I was making the change. However, out of the box the SE seemed superior, delivering a bigger sound with improved bass response. Big, bold and breathy. Diana Krall's voice on Quiet Nights, for example, very sensuous; and it sorted out the rather confused guitar cords on Suzanne Vega's Luka like no other component I have experienced. It was like the Ref 5 on steroids. Lately I noted some inconsistency at about 60 hours but there is a long way to go to 500. BTW, the SE comes with a more precise metal remote to replace the miserable plastic thing that came with the other machine.
Welcome Cascais!

The 5SE will continue to get better - mine is at around 500 hrs and it sounds wonderful.
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  #19  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by luchocastro View Post
I owned a Ref 5 and put about 1500 hours on the tubes. Traded it for a Ref 5SE and can say that the difference was much greater than I expected. It is definately worth the upgrade and I only have about 200 hours on the Ref 5 SE. Can't wait to reach the 600 hours.
It gets better...
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  #20  
Old 11-27-2012, 07:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ritmo View Post
It gets better...
Mike, how well does it work with our Salon 2's ?
I've been toying with the idea of a tube pre for awhile now. I don't know if I can swing the price though.
I'm going to listen to the new amps for a bit beforeI do anything , butI wanted your feedback on ARC preamps in general,with the Salons.

Thanks,
Mark
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