Audio Research Reference 75 conversion to SE

Sorry to hear you were not able to get the SE update for your amp.

The SE update included the following:

-cryo treated IEC inlet

-better input wiring

-4 high speed diodes

-4 resistor value changes

-hardware to lower the main PCB

-tubes, dampers, badges

Thanks a lot Skucie.

It sounds like a competent engineer could make most of these changes if the values and locations of the components could be ascertained.

I can undertake lowering the main board myself to fit the taller tubes.

Well “fingers crossed” someone on here can fill in the gaps then.

cheers

Have you asked ARC what the kit consisted of, specifically the resistors and diodes?

Hi guys and thanks for your support with this.

I thought maybe best to request the UK dealer to go back and ask the question on my behalf as they have an established relationship with ARC and more likely to get the required help.

🤞 

FWIW  I don't believe it's 'absolutely necessary' to lower the main PCB.  I think the KT150s do fit, but barely. 

It's been a few years so my memory may be failing me.

Why don't you just sell REF 75 and buy new REF 75 SE? It is easy way to go.

Ok Skucie I will check clearance to cover.

The KT 150’s are 13 mm taller and dealer told me that they wont fit under the cover without lowering the board.

Runwell, I agree buying an 75 SE would be easier - just not sure what the cost delta would be and I would need to finder a buyer for my 75 

I am pretty sure the upgrade included the above things mentioned, and had a power supply revision as well. This may or may not be a significant part of the SE equation. I seem to remember capacitors being changed also. I would talk to an ARC dealer that is familiar with what the changes were, or ARC themselves if you are really trying to get to an official SE version. ARC would probably openly share what the changes were. I doubt it is a matter of getting a tech that can just switch out a few parts and lower at the board, although it could be the case.

I went from a 75 to a 75SE a couple of years ago. I had the option of getting the upgrade at that time, but selling my 75 for a 75SE turned out to be more cost effective. That scenario is going to cost you likely between $1500-2000 (ball parking this based on current bluebook values) depending on how you make out on the sale and what kind of deal you can get on an SE. The delta for me ended up being $1000, but I got pretty lucky on a really good price on a 75SE.

Beware that at this level of amp, the 75SE is going to be different, but not necessarily night and day better than the 75. You will read (as I did) a lot of talk on the forums and reviews that say the SE is way better. I found the SE to be better, but not as much as people said. Quite frankly I bought into the hype and expected more than I ultimately heard, and I have what I consider to be a very resolving system. Looking back, I don’t regret making the move but I could have easily lived long term with the "base model" Ref 75. They are both very special amps in my opinion. I would be hard pressed to EVER get rid of my 75SE. If it works with your speakers, it is a destination piece. As always this is just my experience in my system, YMMV.

Thanks mekong56 for your really helpful account of your upgrade experience.

Obviously if someone can provide exact details of the upgrades then it would be ideal. If information cannot be found then i will just run the amp with the KT150s which as you say will make a great amp even better and not too far behind the SE.

thanks once again, it is really appreciated. 
regards