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Audio Research LS 3 question

A time ago I had an Aragon 2004/18K combo, I was able to get use of an LS-3, it was an excellent peice but, I when I turned on the LS-3 (muted) and then switched on the 2004 it would "pop" the speakers no matter which way I tried it! Cosequently I had to pass on buying it. Has anyone any ideas what may have caused this? The house has since been rewired (new box) and I have installed Oyaide outlets and have them properly grounded. I had never had any problem what so ever with the Aragon combo when I had them. I now use a Classe CAP 151, no problems here either, I have an overwhelming want to buy an LS-3 and an amp but don't want to have trouble. Was there a mismatch in gain with that version of the LS-3 and the 2004, could it have been a defective mute relay or might it been something else? Help would be appericated-Thanks
rsjm80
andrewdoan
223 posts
 
Rsjm80, there is a LS9 SS on sale on Audiogon today. Interesting enough, the seller is honest enough to disclosure the POP with MUTE function. My SP16L brand new bought will be at ARC next Wednesday. I probably will list it for sell after the check-up.
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
It's an on going thing with ARC preamps. I have a LS-25MK II and the mute when switched on "pops". I am using a Levinson 335. It did not "pop when using ARC's amp which was a 100.2 at at he time.Here is what is printed in the LS25 manual.

"Some solid state amplifiers have a DC offset present at their input connections.(This of course should not be.)Operation of the manual mute switch with such an amplifier connected will result in a click or a pop in your loudspeaker (commensurate in level with the amount of the offset) each time the switch is activated. Repair or replacement of such amplifiers is suggested".
andrewdoan
223 posts
 
I have received the Sp16l back from ARC with no problem found. I discussed in length with Chris, ARC servive mgr who told me the same things as what their manual stated in Statman post above. Is it true that tube pre-amp by nature will have some kind of DC leakage and if the power amp designs without DC decoupling capacitors will not be compatable with ARC pre-amp. As customers who spend our hard earn money, don't we deserve to know these "blame game" from the hi-end industry. They leave the consumers in the dark with trial and error bumpy road and that is BS.
wanders
25 posts
 
I wonder if there is anything new on this problem.

I just picked-up an LS-3a. It's a very nice sounding preamp, but I'm suffering from the same "Popping" issues that y'all identify." If the mute is off, then all the other two toggles POP when activated. Once mute is on (with a loud pop), then the other two switches are quiet. To me, that is an indication that the issue is likely inherent in the LS-3 and not a matching problem with the amp(s). Moreover, I read an ARC post somewhere that advised using Mute to avoid other popping. As stated, the pops are loud and disconcerting. I have a tape recorder and switching between monitor and source is really not feasible. (I can put the deck output straight to an unused source and avoid the noise, but give up up the recording option.)

I emailed ARC who said "send it in for repair". I contacted an authorized repair facility, they said they had experienced the issue with other ARC stuff, but not the LS-3: so "send it in for repair."

Repair is not really an option. I'm facing a likely $500 service charge for a preamp that has a market value of $700-$800; and, I think nobody is going to fix this issue. 

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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