2. amps-preamps
  3. 1282413820

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
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

 The Plexiglas covers  tend to melt and create a small depression above the 6550 tube. Audio Research sent replacement metal covers at no charge to people that complained. I have compared the metal to the Plexiglas cover as well as no cover. I can't hear any difference. I do run both my Ref 5se and Ref Phono 2se without tops for better ventilation.

 ARC also says that they sound better with the display turned off. I again have not been able to hear any difference with the display on or off.


tattooedtrackman's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
tattooedtrackman
884 posts
 
I too have not heard a difference in sound with the display off. As for the covers being left off ARC told on the phone when i ordered my 5se clear cover its best to leave the cover on for sound performance and tube vibration. 
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
538 posts
 

  ARC use to recommend no cover. before they introduced the Plexi covers. The problem is that the Plexi cover will start to melt over time and dip slightly above the 6550 tube if you leave in on for long periods. There is no way that the Plexi cover with small slotted vents would give you better ventilation than no cover. My guess would be that the the metal top would radiate heat and provide slightly better ventilation than the plexi as well. 




bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,931 posts
 
I don't know how it effects the sound, but when folkfreak had me over to hear some music on his system, I saw that he runs his 40th Anniversary pre with it's covers off, and it's interior is a thing of beauty! 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
6,011 posts
 
lostbears
ARC use to recommend no cover. before they introduced the Plexi covers.
Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's true. It's certainly not mentioned in any of the ARC owner's manuals that I've seen. It would also pose a potential shock hazard so it's a hard practice to recommend - even if some users with no children or pets do it anyway.
The problem is that the Plexi cover will start to melt over time and dip slightly above the 6550 tube if you leave in on for long periods.
That won't happen with adequate ventilation. The plexi cover is a bit like the "canary in the coalmine."
More to discover