2. amps-preamps
  3. 161464-150037

Audio Research preamps EXCESSIVE OPERATING COSTS

Soooo disappointing.
So you want to use in home theatre mode.  Get ready to pay up to operate.   The tubes stay on and when family uses system 10 plus hrs a day for tv and videos, the tubes burn away.  Most of the 8 tubes have life of 4000 hrs and cost $150 per tube to replace.  Over 5 years operating costs could approach $5000 or more.  And this excludes wasteful elec costs of $100 to $200 per year for bulbs running without being used.   Sooooo disappointing.


I called audio research and they confirmed all this.  Further, they lacked any sensitivity to theses issues.  Seemed kinda arrogant.  

Sooooo disappointing.
emergingsoul
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
579 posts
 
Why would anyone waste tube life by leaving units on when not needed?

I run tube amplification in my primary system, which is a combined AV system. It is used only for listening as when I am doing video I just move the speaker leads over to a solid state pre and power set up.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Thats cheap enjoy it.
zoophaugus
27 posts
 
So if I'm reading this correctly the OP who doesnt listen to music purchased an ARC Ref6-SE to watch tv with or at least leave on all day long so his family can use it while watching tv?

The OP clearly has more money than brains...
What a waste of of high end component...
emergingsoul OP
957 posts
 
Idea is to use arc stereo preamp in a home theatre system where main speakers can be used in a stereo environment absent interference from an avr.


zoophaugus
27 posts
 
Well then a lesser model like the LS26, or 27 which only uses 2 tubes instead of 6 could be an option.
I know what your doing I've done it before with my LS26 for movie nights but I would never run the thing all day long for the wife and kids to watch TV with.. However if it is a must then YOU must change preamps plain and simple. There are some out that don't even need to be turned on which will just pass through a signal..
Do some research :)
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