2. amps-preamps
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How is Audio Research's Retubing Services?

OK, so I'm thinking of shipping my VT100-MkII to Audio Research to let them retube it(both the input tubes and the output tubes). With shipping, tubes and labor, it's going to cost me close to $1,000. One of the main reasons I want ARC to do the work, is that one, it's guaranteed; and two, when they put new tubes in it I understand they check everything else out. Before I do spend this kind of money (I really do like the amp), I wanted to ask what types of experiances, either good or bad, you've had from letting ARC retube your amplifier.
In advance, thanks for sharing your ARC retubing experiances!
louisl
louisl OP
183 posts
 
Kevyo,
You shipped your amp to them, which they received on Aug 1, and your still waiting? Wow, that's not very good customer service. Do you call ARC and make an appointment, or do you just send it to them and they work it in when it's convenient for them? I don't know about you, but when I pay premium bucks for service, I expect premium service. If they are too busy to work on your amp they should at least tell you when they will be able to get to it. It's called professionalism.
louisl OP
183 posts
 
I'm also curious to know, once you've had your amp retubed by ARC, how did it sound when you got it back? I'm also thinking that the $1,000 I'd spend on retubing the amp might be better spent on purchasing a new Ref 110...which I heard at last January's CES. Absolutely incredible sounding amplifier. Really a 'Reference' product if ever I heard one.
greenelec
7 posts
 
I have had ARC retube my VT-100mkIII once and it worked out very well. Be aware that if your original boxes are not up to ARC's standards for shipping they will return ship in new boxes and charge you $40 for the boxes.
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