Has anyone Upgraded their ARC preamp

Hifimaniac...nice setup and agree with you 100% on your description of the ARC sound. That's exactly right. I see you have the PH7 right now. With your Continuum set-up, it's begging for the Ref Phono 2 :-) One quick question, with the Ref 5 mated to the SS Nemo monos, you still get as much 3D dimensionality in the soundstage and that sense of bloom and air around instruments as compared to the Ref 5 into a tubed power amp (Ref 110/210s for example)? I run my Ref 3 into a Ref 110 and I am thinking about subbing out the Ref 110s for the DS450 from ARC but I am afraid to lose some of that tube magic that gives you an immersive quality to the musical presentation. Thanks

"It has been my experience Audio Research hybrid preamps require 3 days warm up to sound their best"

Why would anyone buy a tube pre that takes 3 days warmup to sound "good".Thats the dumbest thing if seen on this site.Ill pass!!!

Toetap...imho, i don't think the Ref 3 requires 3 days of warm up :-). I would say after 30 mins, you are in happier than a pig in doodoo. Initial break-in is a different story and that has to do with the caps used. Initial break-in count on 200-400 hrs. After 200 hrs it starts getting there and after 400 hrs you are pretty much done.

Cmalak,I know what your saying and I really like the Ref3.My point was how totally stupid and clueless the poster was,IMO if your going to post for all to view, make some sense.I guess I just dont have the ability to overlook idiots anymore.

Cmalak, I would definitely get maximum 3D sound with tube amps but I live in AZ and tubes in the summer would heat up the room too much; I owned some VAC Phi 250's for a time and that's what I experienced. I bought the Nemos for a little more power for the MAXX's and they are surprisingly an easy amp to listen to. I'd love a Ref 2 phono but I have other pressing needs! Will enjoy what I have. Thanks for the kind compliment!