Audio research reference 10 tube replacement

One way or another, they must move on with the ref 10, as it  has 6 years since debut.

Reference 6SE upgrade will likely have a second chassis and Will be the new ref 10. Unfortunately the upgrade won’t happen for years as the 6SE upgrade really hurt customer relations, it was a mess 4 everybody. They left the people hanging who bought reference six, how miserable

That’s the first I’ve heard about mass discontent over the 6SE release. The 6 still performs exceptionally, and holds value well. ARC has resolved the plastic remote complaints with a sleek new metal one. And they’re becoming much more consumer friendly with generous trade-in upgrade allowances, and discounted CPO (certified pre-owned) and FRU (factory refurbished) offerings. I’ve gotten a CPO and an FRU myself, and they’re fantastic - giving a real "new in box" experience, minus the long burn-in heartache. I’ve heard the backlog for SE upgrades is huge, but that’s more a sign of a hugely successful product (both predecessor and successor) than anything.

Good luck in buying new Russian 6H30 tubes!

Just bought a spare set from Upscale Audio last night; shipped today. They’re still available right now, but certain grades/options are out of stock and there’s no telling how future restocks will go. I’m probably set for at least 10 years at this point lol.

At 12 hours a day, the 6550 tubes in the power supply will need to be replaced at around 5 months. (2,000 hours.) The remaining tubes (6H30) will last about twice as long.

Is anyone really leaving these on 12 hours a day, every day? 😮

It appears maintenance costs Of 6SE r quite unfavorable.  If you plan on using it a lot for stereo and home theater listening and including electricity costs it may reach as high as $100 a month and that's a lot.

I don't think people really factor in electricity costs although at least standby is very minimal but when active it's close to 150 watts it adds up.

So much for serving a planet which I'm not too optimistic about decreased carbon. The trend is extremely unfavorable kind of sad

I am not sure of this Reference 6SE issue. I owned a 5SE and upgraded to the 6SE a bought a year ago. I was offended by the plastic remote and  immediately the new owner responded with an explanation and a promise a new metal remote was in the works and I would receive one, they are now shipping with all 6SE. This is a world class preamp, the sound is incredible… after 50 years of high end audio, a really satisfying preamp to own.

Yes I can’t believe that remote. My Sony dvd remote is built better. What were they thinking. Money I’m sure. Big mistake on their part. So how much is the new remote if you want to buy one for your Ref 6SE?  Anyone know?