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Audio Research REF 3: The power supply 6550C

Posted by Bambi B (A) on June 1, 2009 at 06:29:52

In Reply to: Replacing 6550C......Ref3 posted by WernerLen@aol.com on June 1, 2009 at 04:38:23:

PHOTO: The REF 3 open with the horizontally mounted 6550 on the left. The leads from the transformer and the (FET?) heatsinks on the same board strongly suggest "power supply"

WernerLen,

As far as I know, the 6550 in the Audio Research REF 3 line stage is used as a regulator in the power supply. As such, I believe there would not be a noticeable sonic signature between different models of 6650 as long as the tube is is working to specification. I don't know that a NOS or other special 6550 like the Tungsol reissue has any advatages, plus the Tungsol has the wider KT88 shape and the REF3 looks a tight fit.

I'm guessing, but ARC likely designed the REF 3 with the SED 6550C in mind. I think earlier REF preamps used a 6L6 for the regulator.

Of course ARC will cheerfully sell you a carefully selected one or you might consider contacting our friend Jim McShane for a well-tested, burned-in SED 6550C.

In my 24 years' experience with ARC preamps and power amplifiers using tube regulation, those tubes last a long time- the 2- Sylvania 5881's in the SP10 power supply are 1985 originals and the 6550 regulator in the D115 has been there since 1990- lasting through three sets of power 6550's. I don't know how seriously it's pushed along in the REF 3, but you may have quite a good run before needing to replace it.

I heard the CD7> REF3 > REF610T > Vandersteen 5A's in 2006 and it is just fantastic. Hearing this, I lost all my tentativeness about the 6H30.

With what other gear are you using the REF3?

Cheers,

Bambi B

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