Audio Research REF 3 and REF 5 Tweaks

- Run them without the top cover. 2nd choice - use the optional new plastic cover (for the Ref 3 - the Ref 5 already ships with the plastic cover).

- Upgrade the power cord; I use Nordost Valhalla.

- I agree that the feet it comes with are best - but every ARC piece seems to benefit from a top notch shelf and/or rack under it. I use Black Diamond Shelves for the Source with their cones supporting the shelf.

- My Ref 3 did benefit from tube rolling; haven't tried that with the Ref 5 yet.

- Finally, when they say it needs 500 hours of break-in time, they are not kidding.

Thanks for all the input so far. I concur on the feet. The REF 3 feet seem to be the best. I did put a VPI Brick over the transformer in the right front corner, that was a benefit. I've also used Mpingo discs successfully on the top. Purchasing a tube damper for the 6550 from Herbies Audio Lab paid off too. With the help of RTN1, I replaced the 6h30 tubes with some NOS, I forget which ones, they did make the preamp sound different, but I'm not sure better though I didn't spend hours listening to the change, I just knew I was not going to pay $250.00 per tube no matter what.

I've been told by a trusted friend that removing the covers from the ARC preamp and the phono stage is a significant improvement. I'll try it tomorrow and report back. I have a couple of audio enthusiasts coming over for a listening session so we can compare notes. By the way, placing a VPI brick on top of the phono stage helped a little too. With the cover removed, that eliminates that option. We'll see.

My Ref 5 tweaks: GNS 'Statement' upgrade, Nordost Valhalla power cord supported on maple blocks, Gingko Mini Clouds under feet. Plexiglass cover with Note Pad damper.

Oreganpapa,
So what did you think when you removed the covers?
Scousepasty,
What did GNS do to your preamp and what did it cost?
One thing I've noticed about my REF3s is that the sound which is usually open, dynmamic and has great bass, tends to fade away, I at firts thought this was worn out tubes, but I've found a good cleaning of the tube pins with Caig DeOxit and the magic comes back. I've also found that anytime you move or reposition the preamp, the 4 6H30 tubes toward the back of the preamp tend to loosen and hang down just a little bit overtime. The cleaning process and restoring them to their 90 degree horizontal position brings the sound right back without having to retube. I'd not be surprised if this is where the discrepancy between ARC's claim for tube life and other audiophile's findings comes to life. Because of course a person putting in new tubes would probably clean them before inserting and they would be inserted correctly into the tube sockets. And viola, the the spectacular, natural sound is back.
Thanks,
Steve