Audio Research Ref 75 SE: Replace 20A IEC inlet with 15A

@charles1dad From the manual:

"The AC power source for the Reference 75 SE amplifier should be capable of supplying 10 amperes for 100 or 120 volt units, or 5 amperes for 220 or 240 volt units. For the very best performance on 100 or 120 volt circuits, the Reference 75 SE should be connected to its own AC power circuit branch, protected by a 15 amp breaker."

As for the reasoning: "Why does Audio Research use a 20-amp connector? Dave Gordon, brand ambassador, told me: 'The 20A IEC connector makes a tighter connection than the 15A IEC. We also spent a fair amount of time comparing 20A power cords, and we think the 20A cord sounds better.'"

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-vt80se-power-amplifier

@noromance I’m swapping in a 20A female connector on my power cord to fit the 20A male on the amp.

The AC power source for the Reference 75 SE amplifier should be capable of supplying 10 amperes for 100 or 120 volt units,

@eugene81 

Thanks,

So it was done due to subjective listening which I completely understand. I just couldn’t envision any “technical “ explanation as 10 amps is easily managed by a 15 amp rated power cable.

Charles 

@eugene81 Hi, I'm at the opposite end here, I just brought a pair of Tara Labs Cobalt 20 amp cables out of retirement when I saw a pair of the Voodoo 20 amp (cable) to 15 amp (component) adapters.

Well long story short they sound better than ever! I too was thinking about re-terminating them, one is feeding my power amp and the other my power conditioner.

It's not cheap to get these cables redone by Tara Labs plus the time involved. So I'm really interested to know if you do get a sonic improvement once you've changed to the 20 amp plug. I would recommend changing both ends to top quality plugs such as Oyaide.

Good Luck!

An often overlooked reason to have what appears to be an "over-kill" component where a lesser one would suffice is that its just easier to stock one item rather than two.  The 20 amp will certainly work in place of the 15 amp.  I am not familiar with all of ARCs current offerings, but it wouldn't surprise me if they all have the same plug.

Regards,

barts

i think arc went to 20a sockets on all their ref series tube amps so the 75 got it too ... not that it is needed for its relatively modest power draw... i think arc just felt the tighter socket is a good idea, so all the amps get it

my thinking is its stupid to mod such a nice and expensive amp just for the power cord... unless the owner plans to keep it forever...