ARC Reference 5 SE VS LS 28 Preamplifiers

[Secretariat]

Has anyone out there ever had any experiences with both the ARC Reference 5 SE and LS 28 preamplifiers? If yes, how do they compare to each other? In what departments is the Reference 5 SE better than the LS 28 and vice-versa? And lastly, which for you was the better sounding preamplifier?
Thanks in advance.

[Jozua]

To my ears the LS27 outclassed the Ref5 pre and I would not be surprised if the LS28 does the same to the Ref5SE !

The Ref 6 pre is now so close to the Ref 10 pre that I am told that ARC are working on the Ref 11 pre to widen the gap.

[Harlequin]

No........Errrrrrm No........REF6 is Fab but NO REF10...ergo standard ARC Product cycle

[Mike]

The LS28 is terrific, but the REF6 is considerably better and the REF10 better yet again. I have all three in the store. The REF10 has this huge huge huge soundstage and delivers music and dynamics with such ease and naturalness. The REF6 is dynamic as heck. WOWSER! Like turbo charging dynamics. Love it.


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[CPP]

The LS28 is terrific, but the REF6 is considerably better and the REF10 better yet again. I have all three in the store. The REF10 has this huge huge huge soundstage and delivers music and dynamics with such ease and naturalness. The REF6 is dynamic as heck. WOWSER! Like turbo charging dynamics. Love it.


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From $7500, to $14,000 to $30,000 AR makes some awesome gear, their pre/amps rock

[Mikado463]

From $7500, to $14,000 to $30,000 AR makes some awesome gear, their pre/amps rock

while I agree, the quadrupling of price in no way equates to performance IMO.

[Jozua]

while I agree, the quadrupling of price in no way equates to performance IMO.

There same can be said of expensive watches... the difference is expensive watches increase in value over time whereas audio equipment loses value...

[GSOphile]

Any comments on the OP's question r.e. the LS28 vs the Ref 5SE compare?

[Jozua]

If the prices are similar I choose the LS 28.

Major considerations for me will be:

a) The Ls 28 includes the latest ARC technology & warrantee;
b) the Ls 28 has smaller tubes and will run cooler in the "hot" Philippines.

I wil only opt for the Ref 5se if it is substantially cheaper than the LS 28.

[Mikado463]

Any comments on the OP's question r.e. the LS28 vs the Ref 5SE compare?

after considering the move to a ref 5se I just recently purchased a new LS-28, very happy !

[Mike]

after considering the move to a ref 5se I just recently purchased a new LS-28, very happy !

Congrats Dave! Great preamp!!