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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
128x128sgr
microstrip
180 posts
 
Unhappily the best tweak I found for my ARC system was expensive - a Finite Element Pagode Master Rack. You have to try it to believe the difference it makes.
I have not tried them but a friend reported improvements using the Nordost Quasar Points.
dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
3 sistrum points underneith
hifi fuse
stealth power cord
running it balanced
arahl
72 posts
 
- Run them without the top cover. 2nd choice - use the optional new plastic cover (for the Ref 3 - the Ref 5 already ships with the plastic cover).

- Upgrade the power cord; I use Nordost Valhalla.

- I agree that the feet it comes with are best - but every ARC piece seems to benefit from a top notch shelf and/or rack under it. I use Black Diamond Shelves for the Source with their cones supporting the shelf.

- My Ref 3 did benefit from tube rolling; haven't tried that with the Ref 5 yet.

- Finally, when they say it needs 500 hours of break-in time, they are not kidding.
sgr's avatar
sgr OP
689 posts
 
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.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I've been told by a trusted friend that removing the covers from the ARC preamp and the phono stage is a significant improvement. I'll try it tomorrow and report back. I have a couple of audio enthusiasts coming over for a listening session so we can compare notes. By the way, placing a VPI brick on top of the phono stage helped a little too. With the cover removed, that eliminates that option. We'll see.
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