Ref 2SE phono problem, any insights?

[patrick]

Originally Posted by cleeds

I don't think you've ascertained that, because you haven't tested either of the power supply tubes.



Using a mono LP or a proper test LP might make this easier.

Ah, good point, thanks, I'd forgotten there are two tubes in the power supply, a 6H30 and a 6550C. Time to order. Any online sellers other than Kevin at Upscale people here recommend for these?

[The Lost Bears]

I always buy my tubes from Jim McShane. A stand up guy. He burns his tubes in a bit before matching like ARC does. As I mentioned in another thread. I just ordered two quads of KT120s for my Ref 110. The matching was dead on and very little drift. I have not had to adjust the bias since the first check.

I Remember the late 1980's and early 90's when it was difficult to find some tubes. I keep at least one full set of replacement tubes for everything I own, and some stuff I no longer own. I still have four quads of original Svetlana Wing "C" 6550 tubes in my tube drawer.

[patrick]

More data: ruled out the preamp inputs as a problem after testing on the demonstrably working balanced inputs. Same problem as on the single ended, but only for the phono stage, not for the digital front-end.

Definitely looking like I need to get some new tubes in - still hoping I can scare up a test phono stage while I'm waiting for some. Local dealer showed little interest, just told me he had no tubes in stock, could order a set for me if I wanted but thought it best to send phono off to ARC now.

While I'm waiting, is there a particular test I might try with the tubes I have to better determine if it's one or other tube? Even if I buy a full new set, I'm going to want to keep the current ones which are still good. I gather I should swap tubes in positions 1-3 and 2-4 also to see if that identifies the problem (not sure why the ARC help guy did not suggest this) but can I swap out the 6H30 in the power supply for one of those in V1-4 without a problem?

Also, I see Upscale offer cryo-ing as an option (I guess there's nothing in audio except my ears that can't be cryo'd by someone). Any value? If this is a trigger question on this forum, ignore I asked

[tima]

Why not ask the local dealer to let you run your 2SE in his system? You'd also get another set of ears on the issue.

[patrick]

I did suggest that I'd like to test mine in another system to be certain it was the problem but he did not bite and was generally not very encouraging so I did not push it. I've ordered some tubes from Upscale. Considering buying a really cheap solid state phono stage while I'm waiting which I can keep as a back-up or use in another rig.

[cleeds]

Originally Posted by patrick

... is there a particular test I might try with the tubes I have to better determine if it's one or other tube? Even if I buy a full new set, I'm going to want to keep the current ones which are still good. I gather I should swap tubes in positions 1-3 and 2-4 also to see if that identifies the problem (not sure why the ARC help guy did not suggest this) but can I swap out the 6H30 in the power supply for one of those in V1-4 without a problem?

Based on everything you've posted about this, I'd suspect the tubes in the power supply and, frankly, I think you're spinning your wheels until you try and replace those with known good tubes.

Originally Posted by patrick

... I see Upscale offer cryo-ing as an option ... Any value?

Until you get your preamp functioning properly, I think you're getting ahead of yourself going the cryo route. You'll have no way to assess any advantage of cryo'd tubes if you don't already have a properly functioning preamplifier.

[tima]

I've tried cryo'd 6H30s in ARC gear. Could not tell if there was any sonic benefit. Maybe they yield extended lifespan, I can't say. Then again, no downside besides small extra cost.

[patrick]

Well I did not order cryo, was just curious. I ordered a full set of new tubes last Thursday but the order is still waiting to be "fulfilled" by Upscale, so am waiting on these. Interestingly, after summarizing my tests and checks with ARC, they suggested today that I initiate a return to the factory for inspection but I am inclined to wait for new tubes first in case that is all it is. I'll try to clarify this with them but I did mention I had ordered replacements.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by patrick

I did suggest that I'd like to test mine in another system to be certain it was the problem but he did not bite and was generally not very encouraging so I did not push it. I've ordered some tubes from Upscale. Considering buying a really cheap solid state phono stage while I'm waiting which I can keep as a back-up or use in another rig.

Time to look for another dealer me thinks. That is very poor service from him if you did buy it off him. A good dealer would be doing everything in his power to help you, even if it is providing a loaner while yours in for repair.

[Sharp 1080]

Originally Posted by triode12

Time to look for another dealer me thinks. That is very poor service from him if you did buy it off him. A good dealer would be doing everything in his power to help you, even if it is providing a loaner while yours in for repair.