Reference 6 break-in

[michael paul]

Originally Posted by doggiehowser

Is this your first Audio Research component?

My first Audio Research Reference 5 - some small changes but nothing crazy.

Then I got the Ref 5SE. Out of the box, it was phenomenal. Then it sounded like crap. Then it got better. Then bad. Then worse. Then OHMYGODWHATHAVEIBOUGHT!!!?? Then one day.. everything just clicked. Something like 500 hours? I think.

I think it was the new Teflon caps they were using and they do take a while to get to their optimal performance.

I am getting my Reference 6 in a couple of days. I am guessing I will be experiencing the same old shitstorm

geeeez..you have to let us know right from Hour Number One what your impression is....i hope everything clicks for me as it happened to you with the ref5. why are you upgrading to the ref6?..did you audition first? i did not. now i have to hold on tight for hundreds of hours.

oh by the way, it seems i have a volume imbalance..i have to go left about 4 clicks to even it out. I checked everything. it's the ref6 .is this part of the break-in?..the plot thickens.
maybe another call to ARC tech is in order.

mike

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by michael paul

geeeez..you have to let us know right from Hour Number One what your impression is....i hope everything clicks for me as it happened to you with the ref5. why are you upgrading to the ref6?..did you audition first? i did not. now i have to hold on tight for hundreds of hours.

oh by the way, it seems i have a volume imbalance..i have to go left about 4 clicks to even it out. I checked everything. it's the ref6 .is this part of the break-in?..the plot thickens.
maybe another call to ARC tech is in order.

mike

What does volume imbalance mean? Even what out?

[michael paul]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

What does volume imbalance mean? Even what out?

The right input plays louder than the left input. So if I am centered, I have to adjust the balance .at least four clicks

[doggiehowser]

Originally Posted by michael paul

geeeez..you have to let us know right from Hour Number One what your impression is....i hope everything clicks for me as it happened to you with the ref5. why are you upgrading to the ref6?..did you audition first? i did not. now i have to hold on tight for hundreds of hours.

The Ref 5 was great. Then I heard the Ref40. With the Teflon caps. And it was phenomenal.

So Ref5SE. Which was trickle down from Ref 40

Then not too long ago I wanted a balanced dual input phono preamp

Enter Ref Phono 3.

And it was wow.

So the Ref 6

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by michael paul

The right input plays louder than the left input. So if I am centered, I have to adjust the balance .at least four clicks

Well that is definitely not normal. It's defective or your source is not right.

[michael paul]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Well that is definitely not normal. It's defective or your source is not right.

yeah..this is also a contributing factor with my overall satisfaction with the sound.

i actually have to move it about 7 clicks to one side to level the sound. i didnt realize this from the start and it really messes things up especially at a higher volume.

got to make a call

[PlanarSpeakerFan]

Originally Posted by michael paul

The right input plays louder than the left input. So if I am centered, I have to adjust the balance .at least four clicks

Michael,

Something is wrong because the tubes’ output voltages are matched by ARC. First check that you placed the correct tube in each socket and they’re fully inserted. If so, you may have a defective tube or other issue with the preamp. In that case, contact your dealer.

Best of Luck,
Ken

[michael paul]

UPDATE: Guys, this is insane. yesterday i turned my system on.
it is completely different animal!!
at the 30 hour mark it sounds like i was hoping it would!!
my belief in high end audio is fully restored!
i was never a believer in break in or burn in, but i guess it is true!
holy cow! i spent the day on the couch listening to as much as i can.
the volume imbalance also corrected itself. go figure.
i have seen posts where it might be inconsistent. but it just fantastic!
this is not a head game . or like i got acclimated or anything. trust me. the first few hours i could not be in the same room with the sound. it was like a sony receiver from best buy. this is surely a Christmas Miracle!!!
oh by the way, i am officially an ARC fan!!!
mike

ps: i found out that i actually have a 30 day return policy!!. IT AINT GOIN BACK!!!

[doggiehowser]

Lol. I know right

[2fastdriving]

Lol I love it when a plan comes together