2. amps-preamps
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Audio Research Ref 75 SE: Replace 20A IEC inlet with 15A

Has anyone successfully replaced the 20A IEC inlet with a 15A to use a good 15A power cord?  I am currently using 2 Voodoo adapters: a 20A female to 15A male + a right-angle 15A adapter due to the depth of the amp causing it to come up against the wall.  Less than ideal, but works fine and sounds great.

Since the amp doesn't require 20A circuit it would be nice to replace the 20A inlet on the amp with a good quality 15A inlet for a direct connection to the power cord.

If anyone has done this, which 15A inlet did you use?  Does it fit well in the amp's cutout and were you able to use the existing screw on connectors to fasten the internal wires or did you have to solder them?

 

eugene81

Showing 2 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

The AC power source for the Reference 75 SE amplifier should be capable of supplying 10 amperes for 100 or 120 volt units,

@eugene81 

Thanks,

So it was done due to subjective listening which I completely understand. I just couldn’t envision any “technical “ explanation as 10 amps is easily managed by a 15 amp rated power cable.

Charles 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@eugene81

 Well, turns out changing the 15A female connector on my power cord is even easier. No heat shrink, all screw crimped to 3 conductors, so I will be buying a 20A female connector and changing it myself.

Case closed

Fully resolved outcome!

This amplifier  power dissipation is 500 watts maximum and 230 watts at idle. Only 4 KT 150 output tubes  and 2 6H30 tubes. Power storage is 520 joules. Pure curiosity,  why does it have a 20 amp cable requirement?  The circuit would never come close to this amperage. I wonder what the  ARC 20 amp  implementation  rationale is. Interesting. 

Charles 

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