Audio Research Reference 3 VS Reference 5 SE Preamplifiers

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For anyone out there who has both listened to an the Audio Research Reference 3 and Reference 5 SE preamplifiers, how much better is the latter than the former? The reason for me asking this question is because at present, I own an Audio Research Reference 3 and someone is offering me a used Audio Research Reference 5 SE and I was wondering if it would be worth the upgrade. For your information, if I buy the Ref 5 SE and sell the Ref 3 afterwards, I shall be paying a balance of 1.5K more. Anyway, in what departments is the Ref 5 SE better than the Ref 3 and how do they compare in sonic character?
Thanks in advance.
 
I had both. The Ref 5SE is a big step up over the Ref 3. More clarity, more dynamics, wider/deeper soundstage, better looks with the metal buttons.
 
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