Problem with Audio Research Ref 3 or Ref 210's

Did you inadvertantly change the gain setting?

not that i know of...I was using the remote control. I didn't even know that they have a gain setting on the Ref 3.

Sounds like the processor in the Ref 3. Could have been a power surge or spike that may caused this to happen.
Turn off the unit and unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in turn it back on. That should resolve it
Also, you may want to call Audio Research and talk to Leonard, he's very helpful.

I can almost guarantee that you changed the gain.

My LS26 does the same thing. I think the frequency to change volume may be quite close to that which adjusts the gain.

This happens most often when I am holding the volume button down - versus pressing one after another.