I owe ARC and Evan an apology. They are the best.
Audio Research REF 80S Reviews/Comparisons
Classic 120 mono blocks - Played much stronger and more dynamic than their modest 110 wpc rating. I found them very musical and enjoyed immensely for about 2-3 years.
REF 150 (nonSE) - This was an upgrade in all aspects. I only sold due to the next entry
GSi75 - This was a diversion I made last year as simplification gained priority in my mind and I loved the aesthetics of this masterpiece being center stage on my shelf. I still believe it is a phenomenal integrated for someone that has efficient speakers, which I do not(89db).
REF 75SE - This amp is far superior compared to the GSi75. I find its power more comparable to the REF 150. I wish I had them to A-B. I was happy with the REF 150 and I am happy with this.
I am in no hurry to get a REF 80S...maybe in a few years when it is replaced with an SE model and the price comes down on the S.
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@fsonicsmith - unless I am mistaken, which may be the case since I am not a tech, you have the same problem I had. The plastic cover of the slow start circuit fuse is burned. If so, the solenoid start switch and thermister need to be replaced.
This is not a cheap repair. An ARC service center tech quoted me $1K.
Did Evan or Greg share their impressions of the pics you posted? If my guess is correct, I was told that the whole circuit board needs to be lifted and the underside inspected. For a couple of parts costing less than $50, that could be a lot of labor.
Please advise. |
@bifwynne Greg looked at the pics and said "that is strange". But when I read your first reference to the slow start circuit fuse I thought "yeah, that's what I think happened to mine". I expect anything that goes wrong other than a power tube resistor to be an expensive repair. |
@fsonicsmith - is there an epilogue to the 150SE situation? Did ARC suggest next steps? How about a local ARC authorized service tech. Even if the repair is properly done, I would expect that the tech would thoroughly bench test the 150SE to make sure it was operating at factory spec.
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@bifwynne -No there is no epilogue. ARC told me that there are no authorized techs in my area though for some reason they thought I live in Florida. Just the same, I know that there are no authorized techs in Ohio. I am still in a holding pattern with the amp. I will likely take it to the tech I have referred to above-he works on pro audio gear mostly and knows his way around tube amps. If ARC were to give me an RMA anytime soon I would ship it off to them. I don't mind knowing that it will be five months before I get it back if I could just ship it off to them. Weird, illogical, but that is just where I am at. The Ref 80S is sitting in my downtown office where it was shipped to and I am in France on vacation. This weekend I will be home and setting it up. |
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