Audio Research Ref 3 set display off/on.

My Ref 3 always powers up with the display on and always has.  It's the display buzzing that is not normal.  
For kicks try setting the Ref 3 to mono and use the balance control.  Now THAT is a messed up situation.

I think always powers up with the display on is a bad design.

Sorry what do you mean by saying "For kicks try setting the Ref 3 to mono and use the balance control.  Now THAT is a messed up situation."? 

Have you tried it?  Please do and report back.

I did, nothing changed.

Maybe it's just mine then.  Stereo mode works fine.  In mono when I tip the balance in either direction it lowers the volume in both channels.  Thanks for the info, though I was hoping it was normal for the Ref 3:(