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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
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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Ya'know.....there are excellent sounding solid state amps on the market now.....
Post removed 
bifwynne
2,069 posts
 
As I mentioned in another Ref 6 thread re plexi covers, I just traded in my Ref 5SE for a Ref 6.  While at the dealer, I saw that he had a pair of Ref160Ms tied into Magico S5 MK II speakers.  Didn't get a chance to take a listen.  

Has anyone had a chance to check out the new Ref 160?  Major bucks.  The pair lists for $30K.

I read the Ref 160 specs.  They are identical to the Ref 150SE.  Means nothing of course, but I am curious if anyone has a done a serious listen, especially if they are familiar with the Ref 150SE.  

Quite curious if the Ref 160s are in "another league" as compared to the Ref 150SE.  Given that  a Ref 160 pair costs twice as much as the Ref 150SE, I can only assume they will sound twice as good.  lol
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