The Audio Research Reference 5 was a complete re-work of the venerable Audio Research Reference series of preamps. The new design team retained the analog circuitry wizardry, the traditional strong suit of Audio Reseach, and added the mastery of advanced modern digital circuitry, microprocessor and control engineering. The result is a new ARC Reference preamp, the Ref5 preamp that far exceeds the sound and functionality of the Ref3.

The Ref5 is the real deal, easily as good as the 2-chassis ARC 40th Anniversary preamp without the reliability nightmares. MSS HiFi has sold twelve Ref5 and three 40th Annivesary preamps, we know. In fact, our last 40th Anniversary preamp had to go back to the ARC factory - they charged us over $1000 to fix their own design flaws on a one year old preamp.

This Ref5 has black faceplate, it is in beautiful condition, very clean and fresh. All factory tubes are included, they have low hours and all test in the highest range on our tube tester. Priced to sell at over 35% off MSRP!!