Ref 5SE Volume control problem?

[triode12]

I have been having weird issues with my 5SE for almost a year now. Each time the problem is different.

First was the a channel imbalance which went away after a few weeks.

Then on/off switch started functioning intermittently. That happened 3-4 times. Each time I bring it back to the store I bought it from, they test it and they can't find the issue.

The last time, they replaced the logic board and when I got it back, the volume was stuck at 30 and the Mute switch would not work.

I take it back and again they cannot find the issue. The unit was shipped back to the Distributor and they tore it apart and put it back together again and still the problem would not appear.

Tonight one of the store managers delivers the unit back to me and we hook it up.

Now the system(Ref250SEs driving Apogee Stages) is very soft set at 40 on the dial (measuring 60db on my iPhone app) and I have to crank it up to 60 on the dial for it to measure 80db on the app.

I distinctly remember that anything over 40 on the dial was very loud previously. Is this this the same for other owners? Or am I imagining things? Should the gain be so low when the dial is set to 40? The volume level suddenly jumps up when the dial is between 45-50,

[jakegt3]

Are you seeing the same behavior with both the remote control and the front panel controls on the preamp? It certainly does not sound normal. On my Ref 5SE, I run the gain level anywhere between 40 and 60, depending on the level of the recording. A setting of 40 to 45 is typical. In that range, each increment of 1 represents something like 0.5 to 1 dB increase in output, which is quite small. The gain setting will also depend on your amplifier gain and the efficiency of your speakers.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by jakegt3

Are you seeing the same behavior with both the remote control and the front panel controls on the preamp? It certainly does not sound normal. On my Ref 5SE, I run the gain level anywhere between 40 and 60, depending on the level of the recording. A setting of 40 to 45 is typical. In that range, each increment of 1 represents something like 0.5 to 1 dB increase in output, which is quite small. The gain setting will also depend on your amplifier gain and the efficiency of your speakers.

Hi Jake,
I'm running ARC 250SEs to a pair of Stages (4 Ohm - can be run on a 50watter amp) , hardly taxing setup. I haven't tried using the remote yet - thanks for the tip.

I do remember before I sent it away for repair the that 40 on the dial was already hitting 80 dB on my sound meter app.

[Harlequin]

Considering all the hastle that you have had with your 5se how about putting the squeeze on your dealer on a nice trade up to an REF6......Just a thought.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Considering all the hastle that you have had with your 5se how about putting the squeeze on your dealer on a nice trade up to an REF6......Just a thought.

That's a great suggestion!

[RLF]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Considering all the hastle that you have had with your 5se how about putting the squeeze on your dealer on a nice trade up to an REF6......Just a thought.

That’s exactly what I did and never looked back.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Considering all the hastle that you have had with your 5se how about putting the squeeze on your dealer on a nice trade up to an REF6......Just a thought.

Yes, I did have one as a loaner while the 5SE was away for investigation and despite hating it's looks, it more than made up for the way it sounds. So yes, I am thinking about going that route. But downunder, the RRP for a Ref6 is $25K AUD. More than double what I paid for the 5SE.

BTW, the dealer said that quite a number of Ref6 users have been reporting that the Lexan or perspex top covers have melted from the heat emanating from the unit. If I do get one, it'll have to come with a steel lid.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by triode12

... a number of Ref6 users have been reporting that the Lexan or perspex top covers have melted from the heat emanating from the unit. If I do get one, it'll have to come with a steel lid.

This issue has been reported with other ARC units, including the Ref 5 and Ref Phono 2. Based on what I've seen and heard, they don't melt but some have warped - the result of inadequate ventilation.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by cleeds

This issue has been reported with other ARC units, including the Ref 5 and Ref Phono 2. Based on what I've seen and heard, they don't melt but some have warped - the result of inadequate ventilation.

Yes warped not melted. My mistake. The Lexan/Perspex covers are a stupid addition, they don't add anything to the sound of the preamp except make it cheaper for ARC. The former ARC tech of Australia said that the steel perforated tops are better as they act like a Faraday cage.

[keef]

Originally Posted by cleeds

This issue has been reported with other ARC units, including the Ref 5 and Ref Phono 2. Based on what I've seen and heard, they don't melt but some have warped - the result of inadequate ventilation.

That is disappointing. As long as ARC has been making preamps someone in design should know better. Sounds like someone new, I know in my corporate life as soon as we got a new marketing person they made a package change!