Ref 5 on the way

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by cmalak

I would just call ARC. Ask for Tech Support. They can tell you definitively. If you do, please report back and let us know. Thx

Will do, I have spoken to them a couple of times and they are very helpful. I want to ask about the possibility of getting silver handles for the Ref 110 anyways.

[TMcD]

The Ref 5 now has over 400 hours on it and it is sounding pretty amazing. I was a bit nervous during break in as it lacked the dynamics of the LS26, but not anymore.
The differences between it and the LS26 are quite substantial, I would say both machines share a sonic signature, but there is just more there with the Ref 5. Better inner detail, acoustic guitar is amazing with sound emanating from the body of the guitar and vocals are really focused. There is a Ryan Adams song called September where there is a background vocal that used to come in about half way through the song, but now it is there from the beginning. Harmonies are so defined. Drums are similarly well defined. The other big difference is the sound stage is much bigger in every way. The LS26 is a great pre and offers tremendous value, but Ref 5 is a true Reference piece.

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by tima

Yeah, its pretty cool when better gear lets us hear what was there all along - these layers of musical discovery are part of what makes our hobby fun! Congrats on a great system!

Thanks very much.

I agree, it is all about subtleties. With some upgrades you virtually rediscover your music collection.

[jpspock]

Dear TMCD,

can you give us more inforation about the low frequencies?

[TMcD]

I am not sure if there is more low end, but it is better defined. I was listening to a live Joe Jackson album last night and I was amazes how I could hear every bass note being played.

[walakalulu]

Just bought a Ref 5 and have 45 hours on the clock. It sounds..uhh..variable. At a use rate of about 25 hrs/week I'll have a long wait!

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by walakalulu

Just bought a Ref 5 and have 45 hours on the clock. It sounds..uhh..variable. At a use rate of about 25 hrs/week I'll have a long wait!

Mine was quite inconsistent up to 500 hours and did have me worried a few time. At 500 it really took off and it is still getting bette, I think pre-amps are the toughest to break in. I played mine with an i-pod running into it, but the amp off to speed break in up. Just remember to have the mute turned off and the volume up a bit, 3 or 4 should do it. Good luck, it will be worth the wait. Let me know if there is anything else. Tim

[Puma Cat]

I've had my C-J CT-5 (which also has Teflon caps like the Ref 5) since the middle of February and it's only been starting to sound good in the last month or so. It had me worried at times as well...but once it starts to get there, it's really good.

[chessman]

Break-in is a bitch. It is soooo hard to endure, even when others have been down that road ahead of you and reassure you that it is going to be all right.

[Tonepub]

Seriously, let your CD player play into your REF 5 on repeat while you are at work with the power amp off. This will not hurt it and will get some hours on it asap.