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Audio Research REF 3 and REF 5 Tweaks

Hi, I was wondering what tweaks have been used successfully with these two preamps? I'm thinking specifically of footers, weights, tube dampers, powercords, etc. I haven't considered tube rolling as from what I've read, the tubes ARC recommends are probably overall the best. I've tried several products including Vibrapods/Vibracones, and various isolation products from Herbies on my REF 3 with mixed results. (I keep going back to stock.) So far the best tweak has been to purchase and place Herbies Ultrasonic Tube dampers on the two power tubes, the 6550 and the 6h30, in the powersupply. Strangely ARC does not include dampers for these two tubes but the addition of Herbies tube dampers really cleans things up. I use Solidsteal shelving which have been damped with sand. So what have you all tried that you think would be a worth whild audition? Thanks in advance, Sgr Sgr  (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread) 08-21-10

Responses (1-21 of 21)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it. 08-21-10   "the addition of herbies tube dampers really cleans th ...   Rrog 08-21-10   Well to be specific, although the bass on the ref 3 is very ...   Sgr 08-21-10   Putting 1950's tungsol black plate 6550 was a big step up fo ...   Elberoth2 08-21-10   I like eat tube dampers on my 6h30s. the nos 6h30 may be wor ...   Rtn1 08-21-10   This one is sure to work and is cheap cheap cheap!! put one ...   Bullot 08-22-10   I recently re-tubed my arc monoblocks, the supplier had svet ...   Lwerner 09-09-10   I've tried various tweeks with my ref-3 that normally work o ...   Oregonpapa 09-09-10   Unhappily the best tweak i found for my arc system was expen ...   Microstrip 09-09-10   3 sistrum points underneith hifi fuse stealth power cord run ...   Dev 09-12-10   - run them without the top cover. 2nd choice - use the opti ...   Arahl 09-14-10: Sgr 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. Sgr  (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread) 01-16-11   I've been told by a trusted friend that removing the covers ...   Oregonpapa 01-18-11   My ref 5 tweaks: gns 'statement' upgrade, nordost valhalla p ...   Scousepasty 02-02-11   Oreganpapa, so what did you think when you removed the cover ...   Sgr 02-02-11   never tried mullards, but 6dj8 orange globes or usn white l ...   Jtimothya 02-09-11   Oreganpapa; the plexiglass top covers can be ordered as an a ...   Scousepasty 02-13-11   Sgr: i heard an improvement in overall air with no degradat ...   Oregonpapa 02-13-11   Let us all know how much the new coverss are.   Sgr 02-13-11   It is $250.00 if you don't buy it with the unit.   Gpgr4blu 02-18-11   Gpgr4blu, think you've put your decimal point in the wrong p ...   Scousepasty 02-18-11   I'll have to talk to my dealer who charged me $250. thanks s ...   Gpgr4blu

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