ARC Break in thought

[Kingsrule]

I've been thinking about the length of time (500+ hours) it takes to get ARC gear to it's sonic best. Reading the ARC posts, break in is a big issue and IMO at this level asking their customer to wait this long and use their tubes to break in the gear could be mitigated.

Since its mostly tube gear I think it would be appropriate for ARC either to:

1. Supply 2 tube sets so that the user isn't using their one tube set to break the stuff in
2. Ship the products already broken in

I think this would be a huge marketing/customer benefit for ARC and eliminate the biggest complaint regarding purchasing ARC product.

After all, the more they sell, the longer they will be around....

[mbovaird]

Sounds like a good idea. I believe Bryston breaks in their products before shipping. That being said, I personally believe the Teflon caps are a big part of the long break in and I believe ARC might be moving away from these. The new REF10 does not have Teflon caps and mine sounded great out of the box and even better after 50 hours. At over 100 hours now, its sounding sublime.

But I like the idea of selling the product already broken in (or partially broken in). Even Zesto broke in my PS1 Phono Stage for me!

That being said, MOST companies (Pass, mc, Classe and most others) still require the buyer to do the break in. Bryston is likely ahead of the curve.

Mike

[TMcD]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

Sounds like a good idea. I believe Bryston breaks in their products before shipping. That being said, I personally believe the Teflon caps are a big part of the long break in and I believe ARC might be moving away from these. The new REF10 does not have Teflon caps and mine sounded great out of the box and even better after 50 hours. At over 100 hours now, its sounding sublime.

But I like the idea of selling the product already broken in (or partially broken in). Even Zesto broke in my PS1 Phono Stage for me!

That being said, MOST companies (Pass, mc, Classe and most others) still require the buyer to do the break in. Bryston is likely ahead of the curve.

Mike

I bought a Bryston 4BSST a few years ago and it needed a couple of hundred hours of break in before it sounded its best.

Most great wine you should not drink for 8 to 15 years, audio components are not too bad in comparison. To me it is part of the journey.

[microstrip]

Everyone would love to get a well broken unit. It could be possible, but the consequence would probably be that the consumer would end up paying more. The logistics of breaking in all units for 600 hours would not be cheap to a manufacturer.

If you have a good dealer you can always ask him to break the unit for you - just order with one month advance!

[SundayNiagara]

Play with the big dogs, or stay on the porch!

[Amado]

ARC units sound excellent out of the box.
I see the benefits of burn in your own gear as a gift from ARC.
Enjoy your burning hours !!!!!

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by SundayNiagara

Play with the big dogs, or stay on the porch!

Originally Posted by Amado

ARC units sound excellent out of the box.
I see the benefits of burn in your own gear as a gift from ARC.
Enjoy your burning hours !!!!!

+1


I've broken in plenty of gear. When you hit that magic moment, you realize what it's all about. It is an awesome experience. Like your first time all over again.

[Etunes]

New tube set for Ref 250 mono blocks $ 2000.00 bucks. Tube life recommended 2000 hrs. Break in cost a dollar per hour. Operational tube cost the same. Something to keep in mind for sure .

[microstrip]

Originally Posted by Etunes

New tube set for Ref 250 mono blocks $ 2000.00 bucks. Tube life recommended 2000 hrs. Break in cost a dollar per hour. Operational tube cost the same. Something to keep in mind for sure .

In order to buy a comparable sound quality solid state amplifier you have to spend twice the price of the REF250. Its devaluation along the years will be larger than the price of the tubes.

Remember you are in a ARC thread and proud ARC owners will have many arguments to screen against anti tube comments!

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by joeinid

Like your first time all over again.

What are we talking about Joe?