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.
Audio Research REF 3 and REF 5 Tweaks
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
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
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- 33 posts total
ARC use to recommend no cover. before they introduced the Plexi covers. The problem is that the Plexi cover will start to melt over time and dip slightly above the 6550 tube if you leave in on for long periods. There is no way that the Plexi cover with small slotted vents would give you better ventilation than no cover. My guess would be that the the metal top would radiate heat and provide slightly better ventilation than the plexi as well. |
lostbears ARC use to recommend no cover. before they introduced the Plexi covers.Hmmmm, I'm not sure that's true. It's certainly not mentioned in any of the ARC owner's manuals that I've seen. It would also pose a potential shock hazard so it's a hard practice to recommend - even if some users with no children or pets do it anyway. The problem is that the Plexi cover will start to melt over time and dip slightly above the 6550 tube if you leave in on for long periods.That won't happen with adequate ventilation. The plexi cover is a bit like the "canary in the coalmine." |
Covers on, covers off ... relatively minor differences and if you’ve not got a dedicated space with a guarantee of no one poking their fingers in then the cover is mandatory On the two box models I’ve found that removing the cover on the signal tube section helps, likely the signal tubes are more sensitive to the extra vibration the cover might pick up and transmit However on my one box Ref 2SE phono I find it works better with the cover on -- as others have observed this cover does tend to bow around the large and hot 6550 tube, not a great design But while we’re talking tweaks you will get a much bigger impact from using better footers under your Ref series pieces -- the problem is that there’s not much real estate under the amp as the under plexi cover is pretty close to the front plate and stands proud. Putting feet under the plexi sounds awful - you need to anchor to the metal case that surrounds it. I get good results from Marigo Mystery feet but they need very careful placement -- part on the metal casework and the back of the footer (with a small attached boss) touching the plexi. Frankly once you get it right the effect of the feet is profound -- much more impact then fiddling with the top plates or the display |
- 33 posts total