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Audio Research Tube AMP Reliability

I was out shopping for amps this weekend, and I ran across a guy getting his ARC tube amp repaired.

He said he really like it, but he has gone through tube replacements, and he had the thing burn up on him, the power lines on the board had smoked and burned. I saw the splices on the board, the damage was pretty big, and about $500 in repairs.

The owner of the shop said he got in ARC amps often due to poor design and reliability.

I am interested in ARC because the reviews are great, but I was wondering if other folks are having trouble with their ARC Amps?

How about the Pre-Amps?

Thanks,
Scott
128x128scottlanterman
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
well I suggest you contact the people who worked on it to go through the amp again and check the amp for proper output at clipping as this doesn't make any sense...
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I have been using my ARC Ref3/Ref110 combo for the past 18 monts with no problems whatsoever. Amazing stuff.
rgurney
279 posts
 
Years ago, I owned a D-250 Servo. After a few months, with not that many hours on the stock ARC 'selected' tubes, a loud dramatic explosion occurred with smoke, etc. I had to send "Big Bertha" back to Minnesota for repairs. When it returned, I sold it.
I own a pair of M-100's and a custom modified D-79A. I've never had any problems with them at all. They have individual tube bias. I've retubed them with reasonably priced tubes from reliable sources.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
The M-100 run very hot you might want to put a fan on em. Can you still get the 7119's from ARC?
rgurney
279 posts
 
I have a big stash of 7119's - enough to last my lifetime.
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