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Tube Questions - Audio Research Reference 5

Hello All,

I have an Audio Research Ref 5, recently, there has been some related noise ( am assuming ) at around 950 hours of use. It only affected the right channel. Ive ordered replacement tubes, but on the meantime replaced the 4 linestage 6H30 Solvtek Tubes with the ElectroHarmonix Gold Plated Version. The 2 tubes in the power stage remained the same. There was some improvement, but it seems the bass is still rolling off on the right channel. I had a few questions:

1. What does a bad tube in the powerstage VS linestage sound like?

2. Is it possible that a bad tube on a REF 5 in the powerstage can affect only 1 channel?

Thanks in advance for your help.
shanghait
cmalak
681 posts
 
shanghait...I would work up the chain from source to amp step-by-step. So, first, I would switch your ICs from the Linn to the ARC if the sound doesn't switch sides than it's not the Linn and I would then switch ICs from Ref 5 to your amp. If the sound doesn't switch than it's most likely your amps. But it sounds like it did switch when you switched the ICs from the Ref 5 to the Bel Canto. So I would check the ICs from Linn to ARC just to make sure the sound anomaly does not switch sides in which case you can confirm the issue to be in the Ref 5. If that is the case, I would call ARC and if it is under warranty send it back to them to evaluate the issue (or have your dealer do it). If it is not under warranty, I would ask them for their advice over the phone. Good luck.
shanghait OP
3 posts
 
The one thing I have not done is switch the 2 tubes in the power stage. Thats why I was wondering if anyone knew the answers to the 2 questions posted above.

Thanks.
daisiu
20 posts
 
I have a Ref5 with the same problem, but it was the 6H30 tubes that were the issue. My dealer sent me a pair in exchange with the problematic ones.

If you bought from an authorized dealer I suggest you do the same. I also called ARC's office, and they were the ones who helped me pinpoint this problem. They are very helpful and very courteous, I suggest you give them a call.
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