Reference 75 questions with KT-150

[RLF]

Thanks to my Audio Research dealer, I am auditioning a Ref 75 this weekend and like it very much. In fact, so much that I am considering purchasing it.

I have read most of the posts about substituting the KT-150 for the KT-120 and have a few questions:

1. For those of you who are substituting the KT-150 in the Reference 75 is there enough clearance for the top cover with the KT-150 installed? If so how much clearance?

2. Since ARC is apparently investigating use of the KT-150 in the Reference amp series, I am a bit concerned that if I purchase the Reference 75 now that there might be some sort of modification to Reference series in the near future. Has anyone been able to confirm that ARC might do this?

Thanks and appreciated for input regarding these issues.

Bob

[2fastdriving]

I don't know if they will make any changes to it soon, because the KT-150 is supported in the product as-is. The power supply in the Ref 75 is more than adequate for the new tube, because I believe it's the very same power supply as the Ref 150.

I have heard the top will fit, but I left mine off. There would be very little clearance, maybe 1/8" or something. So little clearance that I would be afraid of bumping the top and breaking a tube! ARC recommends leaving the top off completely (with any tube).

I am glad you are enjoying the Ref 75, it's awesome! I have KT-150's in mine. Just do NOT expect a mind-blowing difference with KT-150's. I really don't hear much difference at all, but mine are still burning in. If anything, it is a subtle upgrade. Not a game changing "OMG" upgrade.

[analog brother]

there are 2 bundles of wire that are coiled over the tubes, and go from the front to the rear.
are they ever in any danger of touching the tubes?

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by analog brother

there are 2 bundles of wire that are coiled over the tubes, and go from the front to the rear.
are they ever in any danger of touching the tubes?

Yup, they can...I discovered them touching a tube and moved them. But it could happen again. I'll be keeping an eye on this.

[analog brother]

yeah, i thought it may be an issue over time ----- gravity get's to everything!

[RLF]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

I am glad you are enjoying the Ref 75, it's awesome! I have KT-150's in mine. Just do NOT expect a mind-blowing difference with KT-150's. I really don't hear much difference at all, but mine are still burning in. If anything, it is a subtle upgrade. Not a game changing "OMG" upgrade.

Thanks for the helpful info and thoughts. Also a big thank you to the others who replied and for their additional info.

Oh yes, I am enjoying the Reference 75 immensely
I fact, so much that I am going to order one from my dealer.

Bob

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by RLF

Thanks for the helpful info and thoughts. Also a big thank you to the others who replied and for their additional info.

Oh yes, I am enjoying the Reference 75 immensely
I fact, so much that I am going to order one from my dealer.

Bob

Congratulations, you will not be disappointed! What pre and speakers?

[soundslikemusic]

if the difference on KT150 is not so big, i will not invest w/ the double the priceKT150. Ill just invest in a better power cord or interconnect, along in that line.

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by RLF

2. Since ARC is apparently investigating use of the KT-150 in the Reference amp series, I am a bit concerned that if I purchase the Reference 75 now that there might be some sort of modification to Reference series in the near future. Has anyone been able to confirm that ARC might do this?

Bob

Bob, If we are to believe that ARC have in fact issued a directive, at least to their main distributer network?????? in respect of the utilization of KT150's in the current Reference line, then I would recommend that you seek an unequivocal responce from your dealer., as surely the main issue that you should be concerning yourself with is one of Warranty, and whether your dealer will honour the terms of said ARC Warranty were you to install (ARC certified) KT150's in your Ref75.

[RLF]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Congratulations, you will not be disappointed! What pre and speakers?

My pre is an ARC Ref 5SE and speakers ProAc D80s. My gear is listed on the desktop version of AA under each of my posts.

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Bob, If we are to believe that ARC have in fact issued a directive, at least to their main distributer network?????? in respect of the utilization of KT150's in the current Reference line, then I would recommend that you seek an unequivocal responce from your dealer., as surely the main issue that you should be concerning yourself with is one of Warranty, and whether your dealer will honour the terms of said ARC Warranty were you to install (ARC certified) KT150's in your Ref75.

Yes, thanks for reminder. I will indeed do that, and in fact did ask the manager of the dealer about this when he was out to my home to deliver the demo Ref 75. He said that he had something somewhere about it, but could not find it on his phone e-mail when he was out to my home. Since I am going to the store to return the demo 75 tomorrow, I will ask him for clarification regarding this issue. If the ARC warrantee is compromised, I would not take any chances of putting KT-150s in my soon-to-be Ref 75. I had too many problems with KT-88s, etc in my old ARC VT-100 amp.

My main concern is buying a new Ref 75 now only to have ARC come out with some sort of upgrade using KT-150s at a cost to current owners even if a purchase is relatively new. Being a long time ARC customer I've had that happen before within 6 months of buying a Ref 2 preamp.

From what I've heard with the demo Ref 75 in my system with the KT-120s, I am quite satisfied leaving alone for now and just enjoy the music once I get it.