+1 for an audio research section (Audiokarma Manufacturers Forums)

[niccolosito]

Hi,

I saw your posting and I really hope you can help me as there seems to be not much info on this. I was given a ARC SP-6a by a cousin who told me it hasn't been used for many years. I turned it on, the two lights in front lit up, and after a minute or two, the valves(tubes) lit up. Not really bright but I could see little glows on each of the six valves. I worried that it might harm the rest of my system so I didn't connect it. I had it checked by a tech and he told me one of the valves is leaking and the preamp, in some spots, needs some re-soldering. The inside looks very clean and it was dead quiet when I turned it on. He told me there's no DC on the outputs. I just bought a pair of speakers and the wife is not willing to be nice with me again so if you know something that I can do myself that wouldn't endanger my amp, I'd truly appreciate it. How can I tell which valve is leaking, if indeed one of them is leaking? I don't know if the valves are all the same and wonder if I can pull out one after the other (trial & error). BTW, do you have any idea on the going selling price of this SP-6?
Thank you and I hope you can help me.

Regards,
Nick

 

[JoeESP9]

If a valve (tube) is leaking no amount of soldering in the world will fix it. The only option for leaking tubes is replacement. As for worth, I would pay ~$600 or so for a fairly good condition SP-6.

I would give it a try on my system were I in your shoes.

I would be suspicious of any tech that told me re-soldering would cure a leaky tube.

 

[BBQDad]

If...

If I ever get $100k for which I have no need, I will spend time auditioning Audio Research Reference power amps.
:yes:

 

[Blue Shadow]

If I ever get $100k for which I have no need, I will spend time auditioning Audio Research Reference power amps.
:yes:

Hope you don't need to tri-amp a system!!!

 

[just dave]

From what I've seen here the fact that ARC doesn't make receivers is significant. It seems that many here would rather have a collection of (IMO) mediocre sounding receivers than a good preamp and power amp.

I've been using ARC preamps since around 1979.

Yep, I think your right Joe.I'm a big fan of mediocre.Just too uncultured to appreciate high class audio.

 

[Adda]

What about a separate forum for stereo separates?
The interest for these types of devices is here, but threads about them tend to drown in receivers.

 

[Blue Shadow]

It would be nice to have discussions of higher end components that could be easily followed. The low cost gear is a very big part of AK and this seems to drive away many that would participate in discussions of the more expensive (new or used) gear.

All are welcomed, and, something that the Perreaux video explained, there are not that many high end participants in the hobby. They said they were in the market to supply the top 15% of the folks spending what, 75% of the money for gear back in 83 the time of the video!! Not elitist, just the 80/20 rule as is seen in many places so it is just the facts.

I don't know how I would keep the troops happy. Everyone wants a separate forum for their gear but many might want to see many discussions of all kinds of gear without having to go to each separate manufacturer forum. AK addressed an answer by saying the forums for specific manufacturer gear is driven by the lack of another place on the internet to have that forum. I for one would hate to have numerous forum for specific manufacturers as I have gear from ten or more companies just in the main rig.

 

[westend]

As long as I qualify with my Pass gear for entry into the high-end section, go for it! j/k

ARC is great gear and a real class outfit. They are local to me so I've been in their facility and talked briefly with some of their people, great folks. If you have a chance and are near Plymouth, MN, drop in on them and see what's going on, truly a good experience, even if you don't own their gear.

 

[Coilvoice]

If a valve (tube) is leaking no amount of soldering in the world will fix it. The only option for leaking tubes is replacement. As for worth, I would pay ~$600 or so for a fairly good condition SP-6.

I would give it a try on my system were I in your shoes.

I would be suspicious of any tech that told me re-soldering would cure a leaky tube.

A big +1. :yes:

 

[Coilvoice]

As long as I qualify with my Pass gear for entry into the high-end section, go for it! j/k

Cheap shot, but funny. Pass Labs makes some very fine pieces!


Adda wrote... "What about a separate forum for stereo separates?
The interest for these types of devices is here, but threads about them tend to drown in receivers."

Good point. This would draw a clear line of what is and what isn't discussed in such a forum and nobody should get their feelings hurt regarding the "high-end" forum debate earlier mentioned in this thread. I personaly am not pushing the issue anymore, but since it has been resserected, this sounds interesting to me. :scratch2: