2. amps-preamps
  3. 1246480147

Audio Research CA50 + tube rolling

I recently purchased an ARC CA50 which I like a lot. It betters the Cary SLI-80 sig IMO but that's beside the point.
My question is about tube rolling. Has anyone tried rolling either power or driver tubes in the CA50 and what were the results ?

The only info on the net regarding this is somewhat paranoid thread on diyAudio advising against this and suggesting that ARC designed this amp around Sovtek/EH 6922s
Personally I don't buy it.

I contacted ARC and spoke to some bland dude who I don't think even knew what the CA50 was.
He blurted out something about adjusting the voltage on the side panels of the amp if I want to change the driver tubes.

Anyway, your thoughts, suggestions, advice and experience (good or bad) with tube rolling in this amp will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance to all replies.
akanrg
akanrg OP
15 posts
 
No sweat man !
By the way, do you still own the CA50 ? I have couple of operational questions to ask...
geraldm121
63 posts
 
Yes I still have it (and it is up and running) what questions can I answer for you.

Jerry
akanrg OP
15 posts
 
Hi Jerry,

Is it normal for all the input lights to flash when you turn the amp on ?
Also, is there a sound from the speakers when you turn it off ?
Matt
geraldm121
63 posts
 
When you turn the CA50 off you do hear a brief moment of the program material just before final shutdown. It's almost as if the muting circuit powers down slightly before the amp. As to all the input the lights flashing I believe that they do. I know some of the LED's flash but I cannot remember if all do (I am actually on vacation at the moment and cannot check to be sure). I will confirm this when I get back home in about 10 days.

Regards, Jerry
geraldm121
63 posts
 
Sorry for the long delay but on my CA50 only the mute switch led blinks on start up.
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