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

Showing 1 response by jtimothya

I tried various tubes, like classic Mullards in the PH-7 and found the stock tubes sound best.

Never tried Mullards, but 6DJ8 Orange Globes or USN white label 7308 Amperex were a substantive enhancement over the stock Sovtek 6922 in my PH7. Nicely extended top end, considerably more detail and improved tonal depth across the frequencies.

Be that as it may, I agree that ARC optimally outfits their Reference components with tubes. The NOS 6H30-DR do offer improvement, but since that tube has really shot up in price the relative value equation may not be their favor. Never tried the NOS Tung Sol 6550 but the GE6550A is not a good choice in the power supply.

Upper echelon Shunyata power cords work very well with ARC Ref - try the Anaconda, Python or King Cobra.