I don't think the attacks on Audio Research are warranted.
My understanding of this conversation is that the OP used an RCA to XLR conversion cable and even Audio Research would tell him that that type of cable should not be used. The Audio Research equipment when used as directed is wonderful. As with any equipment, if you connect it in opposition to the way the manufacturer recommends, then it won't work correctly. The solution was simple after conversations with AR and other experts. 1) use a transformer set up like Jensen, 2) replace the AR amp with an amp that handles RCA only or 3) replace the pre-amp with a balanced pre-amp. My reading of the posts, indicates that the OP used the Jensen transformer and the resulting sound is wonderful. Problem solved. I'm not really defending AR, but the direction the posts were going were a direct attack on a company that really didn't do anything wrong and produces absolutely wonderful equipment. And since I can't think of one manufacturer that hasn't produced equipment that eventually failed or required upgrades or repairs, it is unfair to label this was as problematic. The way AR designs their products is the way AR designs their products. Same is true for all other manufacturers. They chose a design path and that is the way they went. I for one really like their equipment and if the funds were there would jump on the opportunity to own them. REF 5SE, REF 250 amps, oh yeah! I can say the same for many other manufacturers out there also. AR produces top-of-the-line products, but like all others, you have to use them per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Sorry for the long rant, but enough already with the AR bashing. In this case, it is totally unwarranted.
enjoy
My understanding of this conversation is that the OP used an RCA to XLR conversion cable and even Audio Research would tell him that that type of cable should not be used. The Audio Research equipment when used as directed is wonderful. As with any equipment, if you connect it in opposition to the way the manufacturer recommends, then it won't work correctly. The solution was simple after conversations with AR and other experts. 1) use a transformer set up like Jensen, 2) replace the AR amp with an amp that handles RCA only or 3) replace the pre-amp with a balanced pre-amp. My reading of the posts, indicates that the OP used the Jensen transformer and the resulting sound is wonderful. Problem solved. I'm not really defending AR, but the direction the posts were going were a direct attack on a company that really didn't do anything wrong and produces absolutely wonderful equipment. And since I can't think of one manufacturer that hasn't produced equipment that eventually failed or required upgrades or repairs, it is unfair to label this was as problematic. The way AR designs their products is the way AR designs their products. Same is true for all other manufacturers. They chose a design path and that is the way they went. I for one really like their equipment and if the funds were there would jump on the opportunity to own them. REF 5SE, REF 250 amps, oh yeah! I can say the same for many other manufacturers out there also. AR produces top-of-the-line products, but like all others, you have to use them per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Sorry for the long rant, but enough already with the AR bashing. In this case, it is totally unwarranted.
enjoy
