Out with the old, in with the new... SE models here

[Tonepub]

Been listening to the new, SE versions of the ARC REF 5 and REF Phono 2. Fairly big jump in performance. I've noticed that these two both seem to sound better right out of the box (i.e. not requiring as much initial break in) than the REF 5 and REF Phono 2 did.

Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[Steve Williams]

I've owned a lot of ARC gear over the years and one thing I can say is that all ARC gear sounds good out of the box for a very short time and then break-in is necessary

 

[microstrip]

I've owned a lot of ARC gear over the years and one thing I can say is that all ARC gear sounds good out of the box for a very short time and then break-in is necessary

I can confirm it, even with the REF40 and REF150 . 50 hours of initial paradise and then 500 hours of break-in , sounding worst at around half of the period.