Hi, I was wondering what tweaks have been used successfully with these two preamps? I'm thinking specifically of footers, weights, tube dampers, powercords, etc. I haven't considered tube rolling as from what I've read, the tubes ARC recommends are probably overall the best.
I've tried several products including Vibrapods/Vibracones, and various isolation products from Herbies on my REF 3 with mixed results. (I keep going back to stock.) So far the best tweak has been to purchase and place Herbies Ultrasonic Tube dampers on the two power tubes, the 6550 and the 6h30, in the powersupply. Strangely ARC does not include dampers for these two tubes but the addition of Herbies tube dampers really cleans things up. I use Solidsteal shelving which have been damped with sand. So what have you all tried that you think would be a worth whild audition? Thanks in advance, Sgr
Gpgr4blu, think you've put your decimal point in the wrong place or the price of plexiglass has risen faster and higher than the price of copper! Mine were $25.00 dollars if bought afterward, no charge if ordered with the units.
Yes it is $250.I just bought one for my 5se and now that i sold it i will be selling my brand new clear cover. BTW you cant get a piece of cardboard from ARC for $25.
The Plexiglas covers tend to melt and create a small depression above the 6550 tube. Audio Research sent replacement metal covers at no charge to people that complained. I have compared the metal to the Plexiglas cover as well as no cover. I can't hear any difference. I do run both my Ref 5se and Ref Phono 2se without tops for better ventilation.
ARC also says that they sound better with the display turned off. I again have not been able to hear any difference with the display on or off.
I too have not heard a difference in sound with the display off. As for the covers being left off ARC told on the phone when i ordered my 5se clear cover its best to leave the cover on for sound performance and tube vibration.
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