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In Reply to: RE: REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. Reference 3 Preamplifier (Tube) posted by rhyno on July 15, 2012 at 07:47:47
Nice review!
One thing wasn't clear to me when I read your review: do you leave your Ref 3 switched on all the time? I ask partly because of your comments on the bass of this preamp. Recent ARC preamps (well, since the SP-11!) have had pretty well-defined bass, and some of them have been described as over-dry by some valve die-hards.
I find with my Vacuum State RTP3 that the bass definition improved noticeably after it has been on for several hours - and that is why I decided a few months ago to leave it on constantly.
Oh, by the way, Mike K's diversionary tactic was pretty much just that - it is not in the slightest bit relevant to your post, and he attacks all the straw men he can think of referring to vinyl reproduction, most of which are just non-issues to most vinyl listeners. I don't hear much surface noise at all from my records, even though I don't own any kind of record cleaner beyond a carbon-fibre brush, and through my system they sound quite wonderful.
Alex
PS. I'm sure you have read the Stereophile review of the Ref 3, but here is a link for anyone who is interested:
Follow Ups:
I hope you do hear differences in cables though.
Sorry - was this question addressed to me?
Alex
Indeed my good man!
"I don't hear much surface noise at all from my records,".
Makes me wonder if you do hear all the improvements wrought by magic cables.
You can refuse to answer if you don't like the question.
I don't think that your audiophile bona fides would be affected by that.
Regards.
P.S. Vinyl noise is good noise as you can hear through it I read many years ago.
First of all, I have heard differences between cables, though I'm not a fan of super-expensive cables.I admit that a small fraction of my LPs do have intrusive noise, but for the most part it really does disappear behind the music. The reasons I believe that is particularly true in my system are:
a) My record deck (a Vectored Pink Triangle) is an exceptionally well-designed deck as far as resonance control is concerned, with a Funk Achromat which reduces surface noise relative to the original acrylic platter (which was already quiet);
b) I use a low-distortion, zero-feedback phono preamp (Vacuum State RTP3), which is far less confused by surface ticks and pops than any other I have had in my system.
I listen to CDs as well, but I don't find the noise floor subjectively enormously lower than with my record-playing front end, and more often than not I find LPs more musically satisfying..
Alex
Edits: 07/17/12
The Vacuumstate is a great preamp...I lived with one for a few months when I reviewed it several years ago.
Yes, I know you did - your Positive Feedback review was one of my major motivations to finish the lengthy project of building the VSE preamp!
Alex
congratulations...not such an easy project I would say. I spent many nice evenings listening to music and discussing audio and life with Allen...he is missed.
I still waffle over should I have gotten the ARC REF 3.. or just be happy with my Bryston BP-26.
On of thosse watershed moments in highend audio.
I can say i love my setup. so it boils down to just a what if...
But it still nags me (because the used REF 3 was the first choice, and the Bryston the second..in my fantasy picks anyway..)Bwah hah hah...
I came within the
item for sale/ money not here until next week sort of thing and the money which was supposed to be here and was 'delayed' (so the company could still make $ on interest holding it as long as legally allowed)
So i missed the local REF3 on sale.. (damn damn damn)
Anyway, after HEARING the Bryston BP-26, and thinking over paying for changing tubes on the REF3.. and loving to leave stuff on 24/7.. that part helped to swing for the Bryston. (plus the 20 year warranty on my 'last' ever preamp)
I would have had to buy the REF3 unheard... That also might have made a difference.
Edits: 07/16/12
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