Years ago I tried to mate my SP6c with a Aragon 4004 after shutting down the amp a few times a conversation with Tony Fredricci [sp] he told me that the pre was passing DC then I contacted AR sent it back they changed caps and tubes at no small cost. when I got it back still had the problem. Called AR and was told that the tubed pre will always pass DC. that was it for me no more tubes and I could not be happier. Good luck trying to build your own "hybrid"
Audio Research tube problem with Aragon 4004 MKII
Retubed my SP 8 and the tube company had no 12bh7s, but showed an Ecc99 as a direct substitute. Put the new tubes in, got a low volume buzz through both channels, and even though the volume was down, my Aragon 4004 MkII sparked and died. Tube company says they have had to problem with that substitution, but has sent a different 12bh7. (Replaced my original in a makeshift system, and it worked fine with the old tube). Anyone had any experience? Have heard Aragons had some sensitivity to DC offset, and my 4004 has had the relay chatter numerous times in the past making me wonder whether it's protection stage was adequate.
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