2. amps-preamps
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Audio Research Ref. 3, Ref. 5, or the Ref. 5se.

I am looking to add a Audio Research preamp. Looking at the Ref. 3,5,5se. The 5se is a bit high in price.

I have a Wadia S7i CDP up front with Pass Labs XA100.8 amps. I am using Vandersteen Quarto Wood CT speakers. Witch Audio Research would make the best sense to go with.


Thanks for the help Russ.

russb
dskinner5
43 posts
 
An ARC 5SE with 2200 hours on it, should`nt the tubes be switched out now?
gpgr4blu
810 posts
 
ARC recommends replacement of 6550s after 2,000 hours. The 6H30s should be replaced after 4,000 hours.
leog2015's avatar
leog2015
68 posts
 
Any fuse recomendation for my ARC Ref. 10 preamp? I'm considering SR Blue or Audio Horizons Platinum...
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
2,850 posts
 
Russ ...

I’ve had my REF-3 since new. Buy some of Herbie’s tube dampeners and get rid of the ARC dampeners. Also, buy one of SR’s new BLUE fuses. These two changes will make that REF-3 really sing. Upgrade the power cord and IC's when you can afford to.

Frank
dskinner5
43 posts
 
I just purchased an X350.5 with dynaudio 5.4 and I need a preamplifier to make these babies sing. I have looked at so many and don`t have the time to audition. Has anyone ever heard of Zanden line stage 3100?, NAT? Primare A32? Lamm, Any input would be appreciated. I listen to mostly 90 rock, alternative,some country no Jazz.
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