Audio Research Ref 3 set display off/on.

I think always powers up with the display on is a bad design.

Sorry what do you mean by saying "For kicks try setting the Ref 3 to mono and use the balance control.  Now THAT is a messed up situation."? 

Have you tried it?  Please do and report back.

I did, nothing changed.

Maybe it's just mine then.  Stereo mode works fine.  In mono when I tip the balance in either direction it lowers the volume in both channels.  Thanks for the info, though I was hoping it was normal for the Ref 3:(  

The Ref 3 will remember the display when you turn it off via the power button.
If the display set to off and you press the power button to turn off the Ref3, then when you turn it back on via the power button then the display will only come back on during the mute cycle: after the mute cycle (45 seconds?) finishes, the display will turn back off again (or to wherever you set it).
If you unplug the unit then the display will stay on after you power it up--it won't remember the setting.