scottwsmith

Responses from scottwsmith

Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
And to follow up, my thinking now is NOT to use an external SUT.  I am getting good results with the PH-5, without it.   
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
Not particularly motivated to swap cartridges.  The A-90 is the best I have heard.  Was considering an upgrade in the ARC line to a reference series phone preamp.  any thoughts on that?   
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
In the ARC world, you can move to the Reference product line, which does offer different gain levels, but they are pricey, I don't think I am too interested in that solution.   For those phono preamps that really do have an MM/MC switch -- I think... 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
Yes I have noticed that one is recommended a lot.  Looks like a move from PH-5 to Herron could cost about $ 2K.  Will have to consider whether that is "reasonable" or not.  But for me, swapping gear and upgrading is part of the fun.  It seems that... 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
almarg, I'd be interested in knowing if you have any favorites in the phono preamp category, care to comment? 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
I am learning some good stuff here.  Switching gears a little, I also have an ARC DAC7 (which I use in balanced mode) with these analog specs: OUTPUTS, ANALOG: (Stereo)1. Balanced XLR 5.2V RMS (+14.3dBv) max.2. Single-Ended RCA 2.6V RMS (+8.3dBv)... 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
It seems to me that the ARC PH-5 is less flexible than some other phono stages, because it has fixed gain.  This might be more of an issue if the cartridge is MM has high output.  For example, if the cartridge's output is 4 mv, almarg's math gives... 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
So i have been happily listening without the SUT for several days, no clipping.  Been through several albums that used to clip, no problems now.  Given that this cartridge at .27 mv. is pretty typical MC output, and the PH5 at 57.5 dB is mid-range... 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
almarg, I see your point.  It could be the mismatch between the PH-5 and the REF 3 output/input.  Is there an easy solution if this is the case? 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
Thanks for the responses.  Perhaps my logic is faulty, but I suspect it is the PH-5 simply because the clipping disappears when I remove the SUT.  Without it, and with the REF 3 cranked up to a fairly high volume (about 2/3rds of maximum) there is... 
Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier Input Clipping Problem
So, it would seem there is something wrong with the PH5, in your opinion? 
ARC Reference 150 Tube Biasing Issue
Bifwynne, thanks. I will try the procedure you suggest on Saturday. 
ARC Reference 150 Tube Biasing Issue
Thanks to everyone. I appreciate the help. Before I got to your responses, I put the old tubes back in and realized the negative voltage was normal (push-pull amp, maybe?). So I got over that problem - felt a little stupid, frankly. I took Bifwynn... 
Surge Protection for ARC Tube Amps
OK thanks everyone. I will start by checking with the utility company to see if they offer surge protection. 
Surge Protection for ARC Tube Amps
Thanks for the recommendation. Do you think I could plug the PS Audio Premier Regenerator into this, given that it also supposedly has surge suppression, or should I use it only for the power amp?