Headshrinker,I had home auditioned a Ref-5 awhile back,I found that I liked it as well as my 26.
Their both different,but very good.
Alot of folks preferred the Vac over the Ref-3 and later the 5.
I never auditioned her,threw my sombrero over the fence and had to go pick it up(leap of faith).
Bought her used off Audiogon,the only motivation would be the music as I still remember the fun with the 5.
Keeping my 26 as I can swap back and forth when the mood calls for either.
To many hours on the computer checking out pre's,and since there were no dealers around here,I seen another on agon last year(funds wouldn't allow it.
This year,I allowed it

.I believe she's staying here for a long time.
Volks,yes she's doing her thing for sure,very pleased,thanks

.
she's only has 20hrs on the tubes,so she'll just get better and better.