Service from Audio Research

If you live in Hong Kong and local dealer is not cutting it, I would seek a refund and move on to better supported waters.

From my limited exposure to ARC service to-date, for tube replacements and such, I'd say they may be quite successful and busy most of the time but customer service is good when properly engaged. Its your dealer's job to make everything work out in the end.

Would not surprise me if ARCs ability to work effectively with overseas dealers is not as good as with US dealers. Conducting business with other countries with different languages and culture is ALWAYS a challenge.

Yea call Nicky Santuro!

I finally got an initial response from the service department of the Hong Kong distributor. They said they have tested the amp in their workshop for a few days, switching it on and off several times a day but failed to detect any abnormality.

Apparently this "cannot turn on again" problem does not happen all the time. I have actually taken a video of the problem last time when it happened in my home and sent it to them. So it is now stuck. I shall give them a few more days and demand a replacement or a refund.

I have upload a video on youtube showing the problem. Members are welcomed to have a look and share your comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKPCbXbI5Hs&feature=youtu.be

Title on youtube: Audio Research Reference 250 cannot be turned on again

Tli,

I noitced in your video that the power light inidcator remains on even though the meter lamp turns off. Is the amp actually powered down with the power light indicator still on?

I have ARC ref 250's and I would really want a fix or refund as well. At least the amps are warranteed for 3 years and only if a few weeks old, I'm sure if you take the amp back and it never happens again, then great! But if it does, then a replacement would be very appropriate.

I hope things get worked out for you. I'm sure it is frustrating. But the ARC Ref 250's are phenomenal amps that I hope you get to enjoy!