Audio research reference 10 tube replacement

The remote problem came about when the remote manufacturer, with little notice stopped manufacturing them. Trent the new owner of ARC immediately went in search of a new manufacturer. This does not happen over night.

I believe new remote is free for ARC 6SE owners, and comes with new units. I think they are still catching up… now shipping new units with the new metal remote. Current owners soon.

I am not sure of this Reference 6SE issue. I owned a 5SE and upgraded to the 6SE a bought a year ago. I was offended by the plastic remote and  immediately the new owner responded with an explanation and a promise a new metal remote was in the works and I would receive one, they are now shipping with all 6SE. This is a world class preamp, the sound is incredible… after 50 years of high end audio, a really satisfying preamp to own.

My experience has been, confirmed by my dealer / friend that, it depends. It depends on how much stress you put on them. For instance, if you turn on stuff and just have it idling 10,000 or more hours are not uncommon. I assume you have  your REF 10 on for background music… it would not surprise me if 5,000 or much more. 
 

I have all Audio Research Ref equipment. I never changed the tubes in my REF 5SE over five years before trading it in… unfortunately I don’t remember how many hours it had. Nothing like 12 hours a day.

I would order a set of replacements… then you will not have to worry until you know (when you have to use them).