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Audio Research REF 3 and REF 5 Tweaks

Hi,
I was wondering what tweaks have been used successfully with these two preamps? I'm thinking specifically of footers, weights, tube dampers, powercords, etc. I haven't considered tube rolling as from what I've read, the tubes ARC recommends are probably overall the best.

I've tried several products including Vibrapods/Vibracones, and various isolation products from Herbies on my REF 3 with mixed results. (I keep going back to stock.) So far the best tweak has been to purchase and place Herbies Ultrasonic Tube dampers on the two power tubes, the 6550 and the 6h30, in the powersupply. Strangely ARC does not include dampers for these two tubes but the addition of Herbies tube dampers really cleans things up.
I use Solidsteal shelving which have been damped with sand.
So what have you all tried that you think would be a worth whild audition?
Thanks in advance,
Sgr
128x128sgr
sgr's avatar
sgr OP
689 posts
 
Well to be specific, although the bass on the REF 3 is very good, my listening panel and I found that the additon of the tube dampers on the 6550 and 6h30 that control the power supply, made the bass tighter, more refined, and with more resolution. We also found that the placement of the tube damper from top to bottom on the 6550 could also influence the sound. In my system we liked the tube damper placed about 1/3 down from the top. So far this is the only tweak I've found that after the initial placement and careful listening was taken off, listened to and replaced again. All the other tweaks I've tried have not withstood these tests. I've always gone back to stock. I believe if you read some of the posts about Herbie's products on his website, you'll find ohters have heard similar results.

I also removed the ARC tube dampers from the 4 6H30s in the rear of the preamp and substituted Herbie's Ultrasonic Tube Dampers. This was definitely not a good idea, as the soundstage and dynamics collapsed no matter where I place the new dampers. As soon as the ARC dampers were replaced, the normal sound of the REF 3 came back, which of course is quite good.
Yes, I should have been more specific than "cleans things up" but the phrase does overall convey what happened and I've tried to descibe the changes in this new post.
Thanks.
Steve
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Putting 1950's TungSol Black Plate 6550 was a big step up for my Ref-3.
rtn1
535 posts
 
I like EAT tube dampers on my 6H30s. The NOS 6H30 may be worth a try. I like to use a couple NOS 6H30s on the BAT, but feel that using all 8 is a bit too much.
bullot
130 posts
 
This one is sure to work and is cheap cheap cheap!! Put one of those high end fuses in it, cost maybe $45. Everyone has their preference as to which brand works best of course, but bottom line, can't lose for the money!!
lwerner
58 posts
 
I recently re-tubed my ARC monoblocks, the supplier had Svetlana "Winged C" 6550`s which were also "Cryo-ed" 100 hr treatment by Pearl. These tube`s made a great difference in resolution and detail.

Wondering if replacing the single 6550 in the Ref 3 with the "C" cryo-ed version would or would not be a good idea.
Len w
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