Ref5 SE vs Ref 10 query...

[cmalak]

Bobvin...my 2c and a correction...

First the correction : The Ref 10 is not the Ref 5SE's replacement. The Ref 5SE is ARC's current reference line single-chassis line stage. It's replacement will suitably be the Ref 6 (and then 6SE at some point after that ) which is probably in the works and will likely come to market sometime later this year to next year (using ARC's average 4-year life-cycle between models). The Ref 5 was introduced in 2009 and the SE version in 2011, so we are about due.

On the issue of Ref 10 vs. Ref 5SE, please remind us what the rest of the system will be, as that will determine suitability of Ref 10 vs. Ref 5SE from a system-matching perspective.

Thanks.

 

[FlexibleAudio]

Paul...I agree with GIGO but remember, you can spend the dollars up front in the signal chain (source/pre) to preserve as much of the signal as possible but if components downstream of that introduce distortion (either in the amp/speaker) or in the connecting links (i.e., cabling) then you are not getting the performance you paid for up front. All of which is to say that system matching where you pay for pieces in the signal chain that are of equal performance level is ultimately the best way to build a system.

A system is as strong as its weakest link and all that jazz type thing

True dat, but we all live in a budget constrained world (at least most of us do at some level ). My theory (experience) has been that after a chain is installed and equal across all links the next step of investment which yields the greatest return is at the front not the back.