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ARC Hybrid FET/Tube audio circuit

Hopefully easy questions for you guys to answer, so here it goes.
I was recently told on the hybrid ARC preamps, only the phono section plays through the tube.
Ive also noticed a lot of the ARC preamps in my price range only have 1 Main RCA Output or a combination of RCA jacks and XLR.
So, questions are,
1.On ARC Hybrid do all the inputs play through the tube section or only the phono?
2. Can additional RCA outputs be added for a reasonable cost?
3. Can the combination of RCA and XLR be used concurrently, say the XLR to the main amp and the RCA to powered sub?
Thanks in advance for your input.
ltngstrucktwice
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Ltngstrucktwice, just an fyi -- Hifigeek (aka Gary) is an authorized ARC service tech. You can rely on whatever he says.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,984 posts
 
Sorry, I stand corrected. I was only an ARC dealer for many years. Apparently, I am wrong. I always thought that the SP9 used both tubes in the phono stage...
ltngstrucktwice OP
13 posts
 
Ah...maybe its best to just stay away from the Hybrid pre's all together?
Just make a choice between tube or SS and stick with the Line Stage--I dont see myself getting into vinyl any time soon, so a tube phono stage would be of no use anyway.
I know a lot of this has been beat to death, so I appreciate the feedback.
Picking decent used audio gear makes completing my Morgan Dollar Collection seem like kids play....lol
Thank you.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Well it's not that difficult. Most ARC preamps utilize both tubes as solid state devices for things like constant current sources. Remember the SP9 and 14 use FET technology that is decades old. There are newer devices that sound a lot better as technology has improved. I myself use an old ARC SP3C. All tube except for the new FET regulator board that replaced the old power supply. It's a wonderful preamp.
ltngstrucktwice OP
13 posts
 
Well Gary, if I may call you that?
If I had your knowledge of these things it prolly would go a little smoother...lol
I was using a Van Alstine FET THREE, up until it played its last notes a couple weeks ago.
I was happy with it and was hoping even and older ARC with FET technology would be an improvement.
Im just gonna concentrate on SS and when I have more time in my life, play around with the tube stuff.
At this point, I just wanna come home, turn the stereo on and listen to good, revealing and detailed music.
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