Where do I start? The day it came into my shop we were thrilled, if not ready to go to the hospital for trying to lift it out of its crate. Some amp!
We hooked it up to our SP3-A1 pre-amp and the Maggies that were out at the time...I forget whether they were C or D models...and let 'er rip. It sounded like the D76A x two, which, in fact, it probably was. Finally drove those speakers with one amp.
To this day I have not heard a better amp that isn't tens of thousands of dollars. Have it gone through by someone who understands what it took to get it to that level. Caps dry out over the years, so make sure the person contacts or has contacted AR to see what they suggest these days for replacements.
Back then, each component was chosen by hand by people who measured each item supplied to AR by their various sources. Many items were sent back as not meeting specs even though specs were specified to the supplier. They only chose the "best of the best" parts back then. No idea what they do today now that Bill J. is gone (RIP) and the company has been bought out by whatever.
It came with GE 6550's, which I don't think are around any more. Get the best ones AR recommends as replacements and follow the biasing and burn-in instructions. Make sure the rest of your system is high quality and I don't think you will be disappointed. If you are, I am sure I know someone who will want it (hint)!
