ARC REF 110 owners

You may want to run your speakers off the 4 ohm tap of the ARC. Also, don't be so quick to blame the amp, interconnects and speaker wire play a huge role in the sonic signature of your system. Maybe your hearing your system for the first time. Are you using older silver cables? When was the last time the tubes were replaced in your Ref3? Remember now that your system is resolving better, you need to be a bit more critical about the surrounding components that make up your system.

Hey Cmalak, checked out the Wilson phase and impedance chart. I was totally floored because it looked very similar to the readings for my Paradigm Signature 8 v2 (w/ Be tweeter). The curves in the bass region look like a double humped camel. Weird/???

www.hometheaterhifi.com/home-theater-speakers/476-a-secrets-speaker-system-review.html?start=3

I don't know if this will be useful to know, but my front end is an ARC Ref-5 and my amp is an ARC VS-115 (w/ KT-120 tubes). Although the Ref 110 sounds better than the VS-115, the two amps share similar power and other electrical attributes and my amp seems to drive my S8 fronts very well across the full FR. I use the 8 Ohm taps; tried the 4 Ohm taps, but the sound sucked. As an FWIW, I recall that ARC uses Wilson speakers in their sound room. So . . . I surmise that you should be getting superb results with your rig.

I would try switching taps as suggested by George (Hifigeek). Also, how old are your Ref 3 tubes. I believe that ARC recommends replacing the 6550C PS tube every 2000 hours and the 6H30 tubes every 4000 hours. If still no luck, call Cal at ARC.

Please let me know how you make out. Hey, at least you can ski on the impedance and phase curves, but only if you're expert skiier. LOL :)

My Ref 3 tubes are about 2200 hrs old, although the power tube was changed about 200 hours ago. The Ref 110 has about 185 hrs on it. BTW I'm using the 4 ohm tap currently.

I'm sure it is an unfair comparison but my Lamm ML 1.1s with the Ref 3 sounded full, and completely organic, with resolution that the Ref 110 can't quite match. You might say this is a bit of an experiment. Experience in this hobby has taught a bit of patience doesn't hurt. I was simply wondering if I could expect more in the way of improved sonics beyond this point. CMALAK I will check out the info mentioned, thanks.

Ff..., the REDF 3 tubes should be ok. Now, when you say you have 185 hrs on the Ref 110, is that all? IOW, is this the 1st set? If so, I think the amp is still breaking in.

You say that the speakers are hooked up to the 4 Ohm taps. Have you tried the 8 or 16 Ohm taps yet. It's ok to experiment -- you won't hurt the amp or the speakers.

If you're still not happy, call Cal at ARC. He's very helpful. If still no sparks, call Wilson.

All I can say is that there should be great synergy between the Ref 3 and Ref 110. And I've never heard a disparaging word about the Ref 110.

Please report on how you make out with the taps.

Ff..., one last question What source inputs (e.g., CDP. TT) are you using. Also, have you plugged anything into the Ref 3 OUTPUT jacks, other than the Ref 110. I have a reason for asking these questions, but it's too long to get into now.