Pricing of REF5 vs REF3

**ulf** · 07-25-2011, 05:53 AM

i have read some posts that says that REF5 is made more simply than ref3. Fewer parts, easier solutions etc and that it should cost less than ref3 even if it sounds better and that to the benefit of the audio world.
A skilled technician I know who has looked inside both ref5 and ref3 say the same.
So why not 8000USD for ref5 insted of 12.000USD.
On the other hand a ARC local agent says it has new technology that cost more to develop and produce.
Any comments?

**mep** · 07-25-2011, 01:14 PM

New technology in a tube preamp almost sounds like an oxymoron. Unless the new technology is in the digital housekeeping side of things, I can’t imagine what new technology there would be in a tube based circuit.

**Steve Williams** · 07-25-2011, 01:37 PM

By all accounts the Ref 5 was a lateral move from the Ref3 with very little differences between the 2

**mep** · 07-25-2011, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Williams

By all accounts the Ref 5 was a lateral move from the Ref3 with very little differences between the 2

Well that would be a bummer. You buy a Ref 3 for $10K, sell it for around $5400 and buy a Ref 5 for $12K, and the sound is about the same.

**Steve Williams** · 07-25-2011, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by mep

Well that would be a bummer. You buy a Ref 3 for $10K, sell it for around $5400 and buy a Ref 5 for $12K, and the sound is about the same.

I have a few friends that went from the Ref3 to the Ref5 and weren't all that thrilled.

**ulf** · 07-25-2011, 02:24 PM

Anyone have experience of comparing ref3/5 to the Anniversary pre?

**mep** · 07-25-2011, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Williams

I have a few friends that went from the Ref3 to the Ref5 and weren't all that thrilled.

If what you said is true, it's no wonder they weren't thrilled. I'd say they must feel like they were taken.

**Steve Williams** · 07-25-2011, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by ulf

Anyone have experience of comparing ref3/5 to the Anniversary pre?

There is no comparison Stefan. Get the Ref40 if you can and you will be eternally happy

**microstrip** · 07-25-2011, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Williams

I have a few friends that went from the Ref3 to the Ref5 and weren't all that thrilled.

Steve,
Well, I owned the REF3 and moved to the REF5. The REF5 had all the good things of the REF3, and a much better bass control, definition and attack. Depending of speakers, amplifier and owner preferences this could be an important aspect. Treble of the REEF5 was also more focused. But if I already knew about the Anniversary maybe I would have skipped the REF5.

**ulf** · 07-26-2011, 05:39 AM

There are at least 3 versions of the ref 3.
First batch with a different set of (inferior) tubes.
Then- I think the most common- with the present set of tubes.
Then the last batch was a Lim Ed with some changes and very good sound. Some of my audiophile friends made a shootout with this REF3LE and a REF5 and the sound was very very similar.

Is it true that only 100 aniv pre will be made?