2. amps-preamps
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Service from Audio Research

I recently brought a pair of ARC Reference 250 from a authorized dealer in Hong Kong. After one week, I noticed one of the mono blocks has problem turning on once it was switched off. It took at least a few hours, sometimes overnight before it can be turn on again.

The amp has been returned to the dealer for more one week and they have no idea what goes wrong. I tried to email to service@audioresearch.com asking for help. They don't even bother to reply. This is very disappointing and bad after sale service.

I wonder if any member has similar experience with ARC?
tli
tli OP
52 posts
 
When I try to turn on the amp after it is switched off, both the power light and meter light are on. After one second, the meter light is off and nothing happens. The amp is dead, all the tubes are not litted and of course no music from it.

When I press the power switch again, the power light is off. It will cycle on and off like that for hours before it can finally be on normally. I like the sound from it but it is very frustrating.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Tli, I would reach out to Kal or Chris at ARC first thing Monday morning (Minn. time). I'm not going to stick my nose into the dealer aspect of the problem. But it seems to me that if ARC thinks there's a dealer angle to solving your issue, then I am confident ARC will sort it out.

I still suspect that there's a simple fix and that one of the ARC guys will make it right. Having said all of that, I share your annoyance that $26,000 of gear shouldn't be doing this.

Good luck and please keep us posted.
czarivey
5,939 posts
 
any lemon laws in Taiwan?
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Hey Tli, got a dumb idea. Are you using the 12V triggers to turn the amps on and off through your preamp? If not, try tying the amps together using the triggers. If you are using the triggers, unplug em' and turn the amps on and off manually. Just an idea. Wondering if anything changes. At the least, it might help isolate the defective part.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
On more thought Tli. Did you try switching your amp/speaker combo? I realize there is almost a zero possibility that a speaker issue is causing the fault with the amp, but what the heck, what does it hurt to give it a try?
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