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 4 responses by sgr

Well to be specific, although the bass on the REF 3 is very good, my listening panel and I found that the additon of the tube dampers on the 6550 and 6h30 that control the power supply, made the bass tighter, more refined, and with more resolution. We also found that the placement of the tube damper from top to bottom on the 6550 could also influence the sound. In my system we liked the tube damper placed about 1/3 down from the top. So far this is the only tweak I've found that after the initial placement and careful listening was taken off, listened to and replaced again. All the other tweaks I've tried have not withstood these tests. I've always gone back to stock. I believe if you read some of the posts about Herbie's products on his website, you'll find ohters have heard similar results.

I also removed the ARC tube dampers from the 4 6H30s in the rear of the preamp and substituted Herbie's Ultrasonic Tube Dampers. This was definitely not a good idea, as the soundstage and dynamics collapsed no matter where I place the new dampers. As soon as the ARC dampers were replaced, the normal sound of the REF 3 came back, which of course is quite good.
Yes, I should have been more specific than "cleans things up" but the phrase does overall convey what happened and I've tried to descibe the changes in this new post.
Thanks.
Steve
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.
Oreganpapa,
So what did you think when you removed the covers?
Scousepasty,
What did GNS do to your preamp and what did it cost?
One thing I've noticed about my REF3s is that the sound which is usually open, dynmamic and has great bass, tends to fade away, I at firts thought this was worn out tubes, but I've found a good cleaning of the tube pins with Caig DeOxit and the magic comes back. I've also found that anytime you move or reposition the preamp, the 4 6H30 tubes toward the back of the preamp tend to loosen and hang down just a little bit overtime. The cleaning process and restoring them to their 90 degree horizontal position brings the sound right back without having to retube. I'd not be surprised if this is where the discrepancy between ARC's claim for tube life and other audiophile's findings comes to life. Because of course a person putting in new tubes would probably clean them before inserting and they would be inserted correctly into the tube sockets. And viola, the the spectacular, natural sound is back.
Thanks,
Steve