Audio Research Ref 3 Opinions

Only the very earliest Ref 3's did not have bypass caps and were added later by ARC at N/C if the unit was returned to them. All Ref 3's now have by-pass caps

As for tubes my strongest recommendation is that tube rollling is completely unnecessary with the Ref3

I humbly disagree with Oneobgyn regarding tube rolling with the Ref 3. That said, there is only one alternative to the stock 6H30's, which are milspec early '90's Russian 6H30-DR's. My experience is that those tubes do enhance imaging and dimensionality of the sound of the Ref 3; not dramatically perhaps, but noticeably. The 6550 in the power supply is another story altogether. I replaced that with an early 60's Tung Sol solid gray plate 6550 and doing so transformed my whole system. There was an immediate, dramatic improvement almost across the board with every source. Above all, there was a huge improvement in the continuousness and density of the sound (the opposite of grain.) I would call it "liquid", and it is a quality I have not heard in any ARC gear since ARC had to stop using the original, now NOS, Siemens and Phillips tubes back in the '80's.

"I humbly disagree with Oneobgyn regarding tube rolling with the Ref 3."

This is what makes this hobby so much fun. One mans passion is another man's poison. I love the Ref3 just the way it is but perhaps next go around in tubes I will take you up on your suggestion.

I have a Ref3 available for sale. It's basically brand new. Its a 120V all black. I will sell it for $8500.