2. amps-preamps
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Audio Research REF 3 and REF 5 Tweaks

Hi,
I was wondering what tweaks have been used successfully with these two preamps? I'm thinking specifically of footers, weights, tube dampers, powercords, etc. I haven't considered tube rolling as from what I've read, the tubes ARC recommends are probably overall the best.

I've tried several products including Vibrapods/Vibracones, and various isolation products from Herbies on my REF 3 with mixed results. (I keep going back to stock.) So far the best tweak has been to purchase and place Herbies Ultrasonic Tube dampers on the two power tubes, the 6550 and the 6h30, in the powersupply. Strangely ARC does not include dampers for these two tubes but the addition of Herbies tube dampers really cleans things up.
I use Solidsteal shelving which have been damped with sand.
So what have you all tried that you think would be a worth whild audition?
Thanks in advance,
Sgr
sgr

Showing 3 responses by lostbears

lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

 The Plexiglas covers  tend to melt and create a small depression above the 6550 tube. Audio Research sent replacement metal covers at no charge to people that complained. I have compared the metal to the Plexiglas cover as well as no cover. I can't hear any difference. I do run both my Ref 5se and Ref Phono 2se without tops for better ventilation.

 ARC also says that they sound better with the display turned off. I again have not been able to hear any difference with the display on or off.


lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

  ARC use to recommend no cover. before they introduced the Plexi covers. The problem is that the Plexi cover will start to melt over time and dip slightly above the 6550 tube if you leave in on for long periods. There is no way that the Plexi cover with small slotted vents would give you better ventilation than no cover. My guess would be that the the metal top would radiate heat and provide slightly better ventilation than the plexi as well. 




lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 
Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's true. It's certainly not mentioned in any of the ARC owner's manuals that I've seen. It would also pose a potential shock hazard so it's a hard practice to recommend - even if some users with no children or pets do it anyway.
 I remember Leonard telling me many years ago that my preamp will sound better with the cover off. This was back when you could actually call ARC and talk to someone knowledgeable.

That won't happen with adequate ventilation. The plexi cover is a bit like the "canary in the coalmine."

 Yes it will. The top of the 6550 tube is extremely close to the Plexiglas cover. If you have the preamp on for long periods of time the top will melt. I usually listen for 4 or 5 hours at a time on the weekend. When I first got my Ref 5se it sat on the top shelf of my rack. There is a still a slight dip in my Plexi cover right where the 6550 sits. When I complained, ARC sent me a replacement metal cover. According to my dealer this was a very common problem.



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