Mods for ARC preamp / amp

This logic does not buy with me. If you don't like the house sound of say an Audio Research Ref 5, try an Allnic or other brand at this price level. With the new component more liking to your taste you did not spend to modify, did not lose your warranty, and the value of the component remains on resale.

Those of you posting about modding do know that Steve Huntley worked for AR for years! He knows the product better than any of us ever could. Everytime I had a technical problem that Leonard couldn't answer guess who he would put on the phone to answer it? If the product is out of warranty you're going to pay for a repair anyway. Oh and just for the record AR has had plenty of send backs several times by me alone (Classic 120's) for not repairing the problem right the first time! They are good but not the end all with service. Let me add at least in the past they have been. Just because they built it initially doesn't mean it cannot be improved.Cars are another analogy of modifying with improved results. I don't see the naysayers bashing them? They (AR)have to cut production costs somewhere.

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A few years back, someone posted the statement that "we're all as crazy as we can afford to be". I think it certainly applies when it comes to modding a $12k preamp. I certainly wouldn't do it....because I can't afford it. But who knows? If I had the bucks, I might take a shot at modding a unit.
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In my humble opinion, replace the original ARC tubes by NOS tubes. Most remarkable improvement is the repalcement of the 6550 by a Tungsol Blackplate 6550. See discussion on audiogon

I hesitate to jump into the fray on this subject because I have not engaged GNSC to modify any Audio Research products for me. I have, however, engaged GNSC to modify a Wadia 861 to the Reference, then SE and Statement levels, a Resolution Audio Opus 21 (Reference level mod), a pair of Luxman MB3045 power amps, an Aesthetix IO and Spendor LS3/5as. Obviously, I like working with GNSC and have achieved great results from the work Steve and his crew have performed. At the same time, I understand how others might not find that the mod route is the way to go. Let me explain.

If you find a component, either new or used, that sounds exactly like you want it to sound and you have no reasonable belief that it can be upgraded, you have answered the question of whether you should engage GNSC. If, on the other hand, you are relentlessly seeking to improve upon your sound, you can take either a new component that Steve is comfortable modifying and engage in dialogue with him regarding what his mods do to the sound. Steve is articulate and capable of describing what you can expect from his Standard, Reference and Statement mods. He is also able to adapt somewhat depending upon your tastes and variations among components. In my case, we have debated different capacitors to use in the IO. In all cases, I have found that my perceptions of the modified component have matched the descriptions that Steve provided before undertaking the mod. From a business perspective, Steve is unlikely to last long in his trade if he describes one outcome to his customers but provides them with components that differ from his descriptions and Steve has been at this for many years.

Getting a mod from GNSC implies a very different relationship between the audiophile and the person either selling a component or a service. For me, I prefer to engage in the discussion, get down to the details of what I like and don't like in my sound and to discuss the ways that Steve can improve on the sound. In at least two instances, Steve has declined to modify components for me, saying that he is either not comfortable working on that manufacturer's piece or believes that the component sounds good as is and that he has little to add. I am sure that Steve is concerned about revenues but he has not demonstrated to me that he cares more about revenues than creating a good result.

I understand why Audio Research may prefer that no one modify their components. As a manufacturer, getting customers to move on to their newer components is what keeps them in business. Likewise, they do not really want to endorse having third parties improve upon products of which they are justifiably proud. ARC has produced some components that maybe should not be modified and left as they are, though replacing some components in the chassis may be necessary for amps and preamps built in the 1970's and 1980's just to maintain the products and, secondarily, to improve their sound.

Audio Research has produced some fantastic components that may remain at or very near the levels of performance of the newest ARC gear after GNSC modifies those components. In some cases, older ARC gear modified by GNSC after dialogue with Steve may suit the preferences of the owner to an even greater degree than new gear might. Of course, your mileage may vary.

I have never experienced a problem with GNSC supporting gear sold to me, though I have not really experienced many substantive problems with the gear they modified for me. I have met with Steve and he has shown me the work performed and it appears to be of the highest quality, so I have no reason to believe that GNSC modified gear is any less reliable than unmodified gear and have experience demonstrating that he will resolve any issue that might arise. Put otherwise, I do not believe that Steve's mods "hot rod" components in a way that pushes things to limits that encourage better sound at the expense of short service lives or susceptibility to component failure.

I don't think that there is a "one size fits all" answer when it comes to modding. Those who believe that they should purchase a stock component that absolutely meets their needs should follow that path. Similarly, those people who buy used gear, have older gear or even have new gear that they want to shape pursuant to dialogue with GNSC may find that relationship rewarding and the modified components to their liking. As for me, I can't recommend GNSC and Steve highly enough but I also can't say that engaging him will suit everyone or every component subject to modification. I can testify, however, that Steve is careful, articulate, responsible and honest in what he has done for me and that those who want to modify their gear are extremely unlikely to find their experience with GNSC a disappointment.