ARC ref 75SE- running temperature
 

Hi all,
As in thread title, could anyone who has an ARC ref 75SE give me some idea of the general running temperature on the amp when in use please? Slightly warm or thermonuclear in temp?
Many thanks
Cheers
Kevin

It can be an issue, need at least 2" of clearance for a rack install, I had to move my rack a few feet down the wall as it was warming the wall behind the rack and effecting the thermostat.. So to answer your question, warm with adequate ventilation. I also switched to metal top cover, as the 6550 tube distorted the acrylic one that came with it.
Very good amp, even better with real 6H30 "DR" military grade tubes from Bat Audio.
Later tubes including in my opinion ARC Factory tubes and Electro Harmonix PI Gold pin,
leave a lot to be desired. The difference was like moving from the REF 5SE to the REF 6.
Best of Luck,
John

He's asking about the Ref75SE, aren't you talking about a preamp? I don't think the Ref75SE has an acrylic cover.

In my opinion, it should be warm but you should not have to pull your hand away from the cover when touching it. If it's that hot, you don't have adequate ventilation.

Thanks for the replies, gents. Although I’m likely to end up with an Accuphase A70, my new found interest in the Devore O96’s has made me wonder about the Ref 75SE. I currently have a Ref 150 which I love , but it is a hot little beast. Whatever amp I get, ventilation not an issue ( sits on an amp stand , not in a rack). Thanks again.

Well if you have a ref150, then you already know what to expect from the ref75. They sound very much alike, except for the power and scale that you get from the bigger ref150. With efficient speakers like the devores, the ref75 would be fantastic. It definitely won't get hot if you have adequate ventilation. I'm surprised that the ref150 does.

I'm not sure what preamp you are using, but keep in mind that sometimes pairing the pre/amp from the same brand pays off. Good luck!

Oh... Also... What speed do you have your ref150 fan set to? The ship it on high but if it's set to low, that would potentially make it run hotter.

Hi Marc
I have an ARC ref 5 SE ( and FWIW , an ARC ref 2 phono). And I hadn't thought about the fan but I did set it to low ( higher speeds meant I could hear the fan from my listening seat).
I agree on the "house/ brand sound". I was pretty much all set to go the Accuphase route( A70, C3850 and phono) with TAD speakers ( a combo I have heard at really liked).But the Devores really ticked a lot of boxes for me, hence the interest in the ARC 75SE ( and keeping the pre/phono).I know there isn't a fan on the 75 so it's loomed on the radar.
Thanks for the thoughts- really appreciate it.
Kevin

Just make sure u don't have anything above it. I had to put mine on single tier rack which gives proper ventilation, this amp runs hot as most tube amps. Wondering why would you want to change to ref75se when u already have the ref150.