Audio Research Reference 5 + Bryston 4BSST2

[Ritmo]

Very nice!

[jwhite613]

larevoj...

Congratulations

[larevoj]

Thanks Folks...I have clocked about 40 hours now and hope to get pass 500 hours soon...

I have been a SS guy for a LONG time.

I have heard traditional full tube set up before but have always been very impress with the tube magic on vocals - its so real you can place the vocalist right there in person. However, not many tube gears can do huge dynamic swings with transparency and accuracy with minimal bloom or coloration - I know it contradicts as in part the coloration contributes to the liveliness and multidimensional presentation in tubes.

Audio Research line stage strikes a PERFECT balance in this area.

[larevoj]

Just a little update...after 500hours on the REF5 I have upgraded to REF5SE

Initially I wasn't sure if I should upgrade as the Bryston/ARC synergy is a match made in heaven for my set up. I was worried the SE will turn out worst...When I fist installed the SE it took over the original REF5 space nicely and physically the round buttons in the front matches the Bryston better. The SE did have better dynamics, separation, taut bass, but it did quite gel in...

500 hours later the SE is a different animal and now I enjoy it even more!! Overall its good upgrade versus original REf5 and worth the upgrade.

[klao]

Congrats on the SE upgrade, larevoj.

[karsajid]

Originally Posted by larevoj

Just a little update...after 500hours on the REF5 I have upgraded to REF5SE

Initially I wasn't sure if I should upgrade as the Bryston/ARC synergy is a match made in heaven for my set up. I was worried the SE will turn out worst...When I fist installed the SE it took over the original REF5 space nicely and physically the round buttons in the front matches the Bryston better. The SE did have better dynamics, separation, taut bass, but it did quite gel in...

500 hours later the SE is a different animal and now I enjoy it even more!! Overall its good upgrade versus original REf5 and worth the upgrade.

I am now using the REF5SE with Bryston 7BSST monoblocks and Legacy Whisper XD speakers.

Only 120 hours on the 5SE, and the midrange and vocals sound thin and lacking body. Prety dynamic though.

Does the 5SE midrange flesh out and get warmer with more body with breakin?

Can you tell me what you heard thru the 500 hours that you have used it for?

Sajid

[Ritmo]

Originally Posted by larevoj

Just a little update...after 500hours on the REF5 I have upgraded to REF5SE

Initially I wasn't sure if I should upgrade as the Bryston/ARC synergy is a match made in heaven for my set up. I was worried the SE will turn out worst...When I fist installed the SE it took over the original REF5 space nicely and physically the round buttons in the front matches the Bryston better. The SE did have better dynamics, separation, taut bass, but it did quite gel in...

500 hours later the SE is a different animal and now I enjoy it even more!! Overall its good upgrade versus original REf5 and worth the upgrade.

Great! Glad you are enjoying the SE. I can't wait to receive mine.

Mike