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I hate biasing!

I have owned the Audio Research Reference 75 for close to a year now and do not foresee it leaving the system anytime soon.  BUT...I am continually challenged by lining up the biasing stick with the screw associated with biasing each side each side of the amp...If you own this amp would appreciate any shortcuts you have found which streamlines the time it takes to correctly position into the screw.

Thanks
mattkimb96
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
The Asthetix Atlas has a transistor output stage so there're no output tubes to bias. The only tubes are the small signal types in the input section of this amplifier. The Atlas probably sounds different from the ARC REF 75 but not necessarily better.
Charles 
kqvkq9's avatar
kqvkq9
77 posts
 
I agree completely. I used to have a Marantz 8b and it drove me to distraction with all the fussy fiddling over the bias. Get an amp that has cathode bias. Likely cost you less and save all the fuss and bother.
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
1,174 posts
 
As a prior owner of a ARC D series amp...which I actually thought was a phenomenal amp, I can definitely say that the biasing scheme was ------

-----criminal!

My new tube amp has auto biasing, which has elevated this once serious concern to a non entity. Plus, the new amps sound even better than my old ARC.


jab's avatar
jab
450 posts
 

One of the things I dislike about tube amps is playing music at different volumes which also changes the bias or balance. The amps sounded great at the volume I set the bias at but distortion would rise up if I played music louder than the set bias. Automatic bias has been around for many years but turning up the volume I still hear hardness or distortion coming through my speakers.

At Axpona the last two years I have listened to the VAC amps which have a new "Continuous Biasing System." I asked them to turn the volume up and wow no distortion, just clear sound at any volume. I believe this is the answer to crystal clear sound at any volume with tube amps.

dr-john's avatar
dr-john
41 posts
 
The bane of my life, bar none, is biasing my beloved VAC Phi 300. I have to lower my arthritic bones onto the floor, stomach down,  to adjust the 8 tiny indented screws with the flat blade on a wooden stick. Oh yes, don't forget wearing a headlamp to discern the slot. Oh and then, there's the getting up from the floor. Oy. I think the whole operation would be better served by a hook and ladder crew.
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