Somewhat odd ARC question...

[Bavarian05]

Was just checking bias on my Ref 110 and decided to just leave the cover off for a bit to see if it made any difference at all and also see if I could tolerate the fans on a higher setting. I am surprised to say that it sounds a little better coverless. At first I was a little floored, thinking that maybe I just wanted to hear a difference.
I have to assume the change is actually less sound reflection in my room without the large cover in place... I am having a hard time believing it is actually the cover itself that is making the difference. It sounds more transparent to me. Not a night and day difference of course, but noticeable. Any thoughts or others that have run into this or that run their Ref 110 without the metal cover in place?

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[joeinid]

From what I remember reading, either no cover or the clear acrylic cover sound better than the standard cover on the amps and preamps. I think the clear covers should be standard.

Joe

[Dafos]

To simplify matters, I remove the cover whenever I listen. That way, I know the components are not being baked inside. Also, with freer flowing ventilation, you can set fan sped to low. If indeed it sounds better with the cover out, I'll take the bonus!

[Jerome W]

It is hard for me to believe that this could really influence the sound. Besides of course the ventilation operation. If no cover allows less ventilation noise, then it will be clearly better.
But if not, I would perform a blind test with a friend to check any difference : that would be the only way to be sure of what you're hearing.

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[Rafale]

have you try a damping plate on the cover ?

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

It is hard for me to believe that this could really influence the sound. Besides of course the ventilation operation. If no cover allows less ventilation noise, then it will be clearly better.
But if not, I would perform a blind test with a friend to check any difference : that would be the only way to be sure of what you're hearing.

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I find it hard to believe as well. With this cover design, it has at least twenty small screws holding it in place and one would think this would only serve to create a less vibration prone environment with the cover firmly in place. I have seen a photo of the ARC listening room online where they had the cover removed, but had assumed this was only for the purpose of accessibility to the interior or tubes and not because it sounded better. I think this has more to do with less acoustic reflections in my room with the cover removed and that is why I think it sounds more transparent. I would put the change on par with removing the speaker or tweeter grills on my 805Ds. I have not tried any anti resonance devices with the Ref 110 and again, this only came about as I happened to be checking bias on my KT-120s. Definitely not trying to say any absolutes here... Just wanted to know if anyone else has run into this before or if they regularly keep the cover off their unit.

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[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Bavarian05

I find it hard to believe as well. With this cover design, it has at least twenty small screws holding it in place and one would think this would only serve to create a less vibration prone environment with the cover firmly in place. I have seen a photo of the ARC listening room online where they had the cover removed, but had assumed this was only for the purpose of accessibility to the interior or tubes and not because it sounded better. I think this has more to do with less acoustic reflections in my room with the cover removed and that is why I think it sounds more transparent. I would put the change on par with removing the speaker or tweeter grills on my 805Ds. I have not tried any anti resonance devices with the Ref 110 and again, this only came about as I happened to be checking bias on my KT-120s. Definitely not trying to say any absolutes here... Just wanted to know if anyone else has run into this before or if they regularly keep the cover off their unit.

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I have not tried it on mine. I may give it a shot and see if I hear a difference. Thx for the heads up.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by cmalak

I have not tried it on mine. I may give it a shot and see if I hear a difference. Thx for the heads up.

Cyril,

I've read several reviews where it was specifically mentioned the clear cover or no cover sounded better. I will have to try and find them again and post a link.

[Ritmo]

The Ref 5 comes with the plexi top. I would be very careful with using any of these components with the top off - not recommended.

ARC's documentation actually warns agains't using their components without the top.

Mike

[BlueChiaro]

I use my pieces with their covers (plexi & metal) on. Even if there happens to be a millimeter of performance more without them, I'm not going to worry about it because I'm sure there's a kilometer of performance I'm leaving on the table, elsewhere.