2. amps-preamps
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Service from Audio Research

I recently brought a pair of ARC Reference 250 from a authorized dealer in Hong Kong. After one week, I noticed one of the mono blocks has problem turning on once it was switched off. It took at least a few hours, sometimes overnight before it can be turn on again.

The amp has been returned to the dealer for more one week and they have no idea what goes wrong. I tried to email to service@audioresearch.com asking for help. They don't even bother to reply. This is very disappointing and bad after sale service.

I wonder if any member has similar experience with ARC?
tli

Showing 8 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
No Tli. Your experience is not consistemt with my mine. Try calling Kalvin Dahl, ARC Customer Service, or Chris Ossana, Tech Service Manager. I would try Kal first since he does retail customer intake. If you can't reach Kal, try Chris.

IMO, ARC is a top flight company that places great import on customer satisfaction. In many ways, ARC considers folks like you and me part of the family.

Good luck. Please report back on how you fare.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Thanks for the update Tli. I'm not a techie so take this with a grain of salt. I got a funny feeling it's an easy fix, whatever the problem may be.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Tli, I would reach out to Kal or Chris at ARC first thing Monday morning (Minn. time). I'm not going to stick my nose into the dealer aspect of the problem. But it seems to me that if ARC thinks there's a dealer angle to solving your issue, then I am confident ARC will sort it out.

I still suspect that there's a simple fix and that one of the ARC guys will make it right. Having said all of that, I share your annoyance that $26,000 of gear shouldn't be doing this.

Good luck and please keep us posted.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Hey Tli, got a dumb idea. Are you using the 12V triggers to turn the amps on and off through your preamp? If not, try tying the amps together using the triggers. If you are using the triggers, unplug em' and turn the amps on and off manually. Just an idea. Wondering if anything changes. At the least, it might help isolate the defective part.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
On more thought Tli. Did you try switching your amp/speaker combo? I realize there is almost a zero possibility that a speaker issue is causing the fault with the amp, but what the heck, what does it hurt to give it a try?
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Tli, you may very well be right. Last easy suggestion. Check all your tubes. I doubt a bad tube is at issue, but again, no harm in checking.

If still a "no go," call Kal or Chris first thing Monday am. ARC **will** make it right for you. I'd also ask the dealer for a loaner if the amp goes to a service center. I think you've been put out long enough.

I'm a very loyal ARC customer and fan. Please keep us posted on progress.

Bruce
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
To all: please take note that Tli started this thread on May 8th. Today is May 15th -- just 7 days later. I realize the OP said the problem preceded the date of the original post, but what the hay! I think this good ending speaks volumes about ARC and its well earned and deserved reputation of being a premier company.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Stephanovitch ... I have no information about ARC's finances and cannot validate or dispute anything you just posted. All I can say is that I hope you are misinformed.

When I was a young'in back in the 70s, ARC stood for something ... uncompromised quality. It would pain me to learn that a new generation of young turks denigrated a great company.
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