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modifications you have done to ARC REF 3

What modifications have you done to your ARC REF 3.
I know people who replaced the 6H30 tubes to 6H30P-DR and
put in a Tungsol 6550 NOS in the powersupply .What more did you do with which results .Don 't tell me the REF 3 is so good you can't do anything.I think this unit can have more dynamics , without buying the REF5 SE.
128x128hansk46
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Stealth Dream power cord (Preamp version) with a Hi-Fi Tuning Fuse.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Hansk, take a look at my recent comment on another ARC thread where I made some comments about the Ref 3 versus Ref 5. I haven't heard the Ref 5 SE yet, but I did own the Ref 3 and now the Ref 5. While the Ref 5 is slightly more refined, as I already said, NOT a day and night improvement. I think the Ref 3 will go down as a classic pre-amp.
hansk46's avatar
hansk46 OP
122 posts
 
Hello forummembers ,my latest modification is the powersupply upgrade as ARC is doing in the REF5 to SE.
Could not use the the capacitorboard , as the is no space in the REF 3 , so I had to make myself one .What did it bring me , well better basweight and response , and more detail in the middle , important for the voices .Pictures of the inside of my REF3 SE upon request.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Hans, is this a DIY upgrade?? How did you know what components to use? Did you change out the coupling caps too? Sounds like the sound from my Ref 5 may actually be improved when ARC does my SE upgrade next month if you hear a different with the Ref 3.

There's so much hype out there. When I changed out my Ref 3 for a Ref 5, I was expecting a major big time improvement. Well not to these old ears. Maybe a little more refined, but NOT a day and night difference.
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