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First Test for tube bias on ARC Ref 110?

When is the appropriate time to first test biasing on the ARC Ref 110?
This is my first experience with a ARC amplifier and I have read that power tubes typically drift most in the early stages. What is meant by early stages? Any recommedations are appreciated. It has only just under 49 hours of use thus far, so far from even broken in yet...
bavarian05
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Convenience vs. sound quality I guess is at the core of their thinking. That is my best guess at their thinking.

It's the best phrase to cut corners, but reality is different.
cmalak
681 posts
 
It's the best phrase to cut corners, but reality is different.

I am not sure I follow your logic. Why is the exclusion of a self-biasing circuit cutting corners, if your primary goal is to produce superlative sound from your products and if you believe that the inclusion of a self-biasing circuit takes away from your goal of producing superlative sound. I am not sure I follow Marakanetz.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
inclusion of self-biasing circuit only improves sound.
lcross
6 posts
 
I check bias first day of every month on my ARC amp. Tubes from ARC, very little drifting.
microstrip
180 posts
 
A properly implemented auto-bias system implies digital components, microprocessors, ADCs and DACs. In order to be reliable and not affect sound quality it will increase the price of the amplifier significantly. Also long term serviceability can be an issue, needing trips to the factory.

As I always use tubes pre-conditioned for 50 hours I check bias after the first 100 hours and then every 500 hours.
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