Audio Research REF 5 SE PreAmplifier

The REF 5 SE is a major step up from the previous reference products, and makes use of the technology developed for ARC's statement Anniversary $25,000 preamp sold for just one year. Reviewed by Brian Damkroger in Stereophile, he called it "big, bold, brash, and brassy" in exactly the way that live music is.  John Atkinson summarized that it is "a superb measuring preamplifier."  As Damkroker noted, he is not sure that ANY amount of money will buy a better preamplifer - you can read the entire review in Stereophile Nov 2012, a followup in Feb 2013, and in the Jan issue of Absolute Sound 2013.  All rave reviews, and for good reason.  The unit has 1249 hours on it, 600 hours being necessary for break-in. All the things you care about: soundstage, slam, dynamic range, speed, silent background, are here in spades.  I am selling due to illness, but I can tell you this unit has provided me with many hours of pleasure during my difficult times.  Everything is original.