2. amps-preamps
  3. 186123-23048

Audio Research reference amplifiers used with RCA IC`s and unbalanced preamplifiers

I am considering purchasing used audio research reference amplifiers either 150se or 75 SE. My question is this

As these amplifiers are fully balanced and don't have an RCA input, can I use RCA interconnects with a conversion plug from RCA to balanced at the amplifier input and will it work in my system?

I don't have any balanced interconnects and don't want to go through the extra expense. Only one of my three preamplifiers has an XLR output and there's nothing indicating the preamplifier is fully balanced.

I find this balanced/ unbalanced criteria confusing.

 

nsp
newbee
4,767 posts
 

nsp, re impedance issues you referred to. The 300K input impedance should make it a good match, impedance wise, to any SS or tubed preamp, or source directly connected. But, FWIW, I think the other impedances you attribute to ’amplifiers’ refer to the input impedance of your preamps. What is relevant however, as it relates to your amp, is the preamps output impedance.

nsp OP
653 posts
 

cleeds

yeah ouch!! Not looking for added service expense/shipping  if possible. I don't repair but am capable of changing tubes, biasing, changing fuses. 

I do have an audio technician who does repairs for me at a reasonable cost  

nsp OP
653 posts
 

atmasphere

Thanks thats good information from an insider at ARC. I would try to purchase the ampliifier with a return provision ,if possible . 

speedthrills
160 posts
 

I have both a REF150Se and a REF75SE- outstanding amps. I'm pretty sure ARC doesn't want you to use adapters and I def wouldn't entertain having anyone try to convert them to RCA inputs either. There are lots of guys out there who work on tube amps who confidently will tell you they can figure out anything on an ARC and work on it - in my experience they can't without the schematics- and ARC doesn't provide them to non authorized servicers. Also, Kalvin is not retired and is at ARC and is usually the guy who answers the phone. CAll them and ask them directly about the balanced / adapters question. Trust no one else in my experience. 

speedthrills
160 posts
 

Both the REF75SE and the REF150 SE are outstanding amps- better than any others I've had and I've had a lot of high end gear. The ARC amps (and their pre amps- I have an LS28Se) are flat out musical, dynamic and detailed- somehow they just get it 'right" for me. Yes, tubes run hot; they use more electricity, they will age and fail and are expensive. Like most other high end toys - like owning a Porsche or similar- they're expensive to maintain at times- but- they're really really good. A tube set from Upscale for the 75SE runs about $700, from ARC $1300. For the 150SE from Upscale about $1600, from ARC $3300. They last about 3k hours. They make wonderful music always.

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