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ARC Quality Issues Ref75 Ref5SE Ref10

Over the past two years I had several issues with ARC Ref gear and am wondering if I'm the only one out there having so much "bad luck"?

My issues started when I bought a Ref5SE plus Ref75.
The two meters in the Ref75 had a noticeable different color and had to be replaced by my dealer.

Two of the Ref5SE tube sockets were soldered crooked to the board. I found a loose screw bouncing around inside the chassis when I unpacked it and found that the two crooked tube sockets were not even bolted down to the metal support on the main board. ARC apologized and replaced the brand new Ref5SE.

The replacement Ref5SE blew up after 600 hrs of use. A small component in the power section exploded with a single loud bang with smoke following.

To not end up with a nearly new but repaired preamp I upgraded to Ref10. The Ref10 power section also blew up after two months and only 390 hrs of use. One or more of the smaller white caps in the power section exploded (four or five significant and loud bangs with smoke). My dealer just informed me that ARC is going to replace the failed Ref10 against a brand new one.

I can not believe I am the only one having repeated problems with ARC's new gear!?

Feedback and comments will be greatly appreciated !
decibell
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 
Decibell: You have stable A/C and use a power conditioner?
I've had minor issues with ARC but nothing ever exploded.

Most recently, I purchased some ARC 6H30 tubes for my BAT int.
These lasted a few months the started growling at me.
NOS 6H30 DR from BAT ($600) not only sound twice as good but so far show no signs of failure. You get what you pay for (sometimes).
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 
I have a number of ARC components and have not had any real problems. A year or so ago I had a problem with the on/off switch of my Ref 110. No big deal and my dealer took care of it. I have had no problems with my Ref CD7 or DAC 8.

I have owned ARC equipment since the late 1980's. I will say that I feel some of the older gear was made a bit better. I am not a big fan of the plastic switches and buttons which just seem cheap.
hifimaniac
508 posts
 
That's why I switched to VAC gear! Sounds better too!
tsushima1
1,165 posts
 
If I may inquire , Which ARC model are referring to here ? VAC most certainly utilise superbly designed and wound OPT's, probably better than equivalent ARC, however in a shoot out I would go with KT150 over 88's any day!
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
12-18-14: Hifimaniac
That's why I switched to VAC gear! Sounds better too!
Hmm! Weren't you singing a different tune when you had VAC Phi pre and mono amps? Why did you switch FROM VAC gear? LOL!

I'm not bashing but a big fan of VAC. I'm using a VAC pre and ARC amp and I prefer the current ARC amps. Will be much superior to MY ears when KT150s are off the bench.

IMO. it's the nature of boutique hand built industry. I've heard horror stories with many brands. The deal breaker for me is how they handle problems when occurs.

12-18-14: Don_c55

ARC buyers just like the sound, and put up with all the problems!
Sure, some drive Prius to save the earth (moon bats) and $$, Accord average in all categories and Porsche for performance. That's what makes the world turn.

Decibell, sorry to hear your troubles. I guess if you like ARC sound and ARC is providing you satisfactory/fair service, then stick with it. Otherwise, try getting a refund from dealer/ARC or swap for another brand. There's a saying bad luck happens in 3's so you should be all set now :-) GL!
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