Power cord for Ref3

[ulf]

I just bougth a used Ref 3 pre to go with my Classe Omega monoblocs. Living in Europe and with the ref 3 a genuin European sold machine I was surprised that the power out was a square 15A contact that we don t use here. So I can t try my different high end power cables (Purist, Harmonix, Cardas etc) without changing contacts. I use now the standard ""cheap" cable that comes with the pre. It sounds very good. What experince do you have with different high end cords vs the standard on Ref 3.? Is there any gain to go to high end cables?

Anyone doing any tube roling on Ref3?

 

[Steve Williams]

Stefan I rolled the 12ax7 when I had my ARC Ref3. I use a Tele NOS ECC803s circa 1964

I also used a Nordost Valhalla PC which I still have inb my system

 

[microstrip]

The square power socket you refer is also used in Europe - it is a IEC POWER ENTRY, SOCKET 20A (description from the Farnell catalogue) .

Most power cable manufacturers can supply power cables with this type of plug, also used by Krell and some conrad johnson equipment.

I have good experience with Shunyata Python and Anaconda Helix power cables with my Audio Research equipment. A friend of mine reported excellent results with the more expensive Crystal Dreamline power cords, but I could not try them in my ARC preamplifier as they have standard 15A plugs...

Shunyata also supplies converters allowing the use of 15A cables with 20A devices and vice-versa.

 

[microstrip]

Stefan I rolled the 12ax7 when I had my ARC Ref3. I use a Tele NOS ECC803s circa 1964 (...)

Steve,
I am almost 100% sure that the Reference 3 used 4x6h30 and a 6h30 plus a 6550 for the power supply.

 

[ulf]

I am considering to change the power outlet to a 10A EU standard (No need for a 20A on an pre?) so I can test different power cords.
Will this change in it self degrade sound?
I considering using a Furutech high end outlet , Gold or rodinium.
Which to chose?

 

[es347]

Hubbell hospital grade

 

[ulf]

Sorry for my bad english. I want to change the IEC Input Connector in the REF3 not my wall outlet.

 

[ulf]

A skilled technician now has made me a adapter to put in ref3 power inlet. I can now use my beloved Prurist Audio LTD cable instead of the ceap ARC cord. And the sound was really improved. Better resolution, better dynamics and a more relaxed sound!

 

[CKKeung]

A skilled technician now has made me a adapter to put in ref3 power inlet. I can now use my beloved Prurist Audio LTD cable instead of the ceap ARC cord. And the sound was really improved. Better resolution, better dynamics and a more relaxed sound!

Hi ulf,

VooDoo makes a 20A-to-15A IEC adaptor: http://www.voodoocable.net/VAPA.htm
I myself am using a similar one made by Purist Audio Design for my ARC40 preamp.
Both are cryogenically treated.

 

[LL21]

A skilled technician now has made me a adapter to put in ref3 power inlet. I can now use my beloved Prurist Audio LTD cable instead of the ceap ARC cord. And the sound was really improved. Better resolution, better dynamics and a more relaxed sound!

Hi Ulf...have you ever compared the PAD Ltd cable to their Dominus or Ann Contego cables? i am curious what the differences were in your opinion. (i have both of those...and was wondering how the Ltd compares). Thanks for any guidance!!!

 

[ulf]

Pad LTD and Dominus are very similar. LTD is little bit more relaxed and feels more detailed, at least in my system.

 

[LL21]

Thanks, Ulf. That is how i would describe Anniversary Contego compared to Dominus Ferox, so your description would make sense given the progression. Thanks again.

 

[racewong]

Hi ulf,

VooDoo makes a 20A-to-15A IEC adaptor: http://www.voodoocable.net/VAPA.htm
I myself am using a similar one made by Purist Audio Design for my ARC40 preamp.
Both are cryogenically treated.

hi CK, Nice to meet you here! ^^

 

[racewong]

I just bougth a used Ref 3 pre to go with my Classe Omega monoblocs. Living in Europe and with the ref 3 a genuin European sold machine I was surprised that the power out was a square 15A contact that we don t use here. So I can t try my different high end power cables (Purist, Harmonix, Cardas etc) without changing contacts. I use now the standard ""cheap" cable that comes with the pre. It sounds very good. What experince do you have with different high end cords vs the standard on Ref 3.? Is there any gain to go to high end cables?

Anyone doing any tube roling on Ref3?

http://www.shunyata.com/content/endorsements-man.html

Audio Research conducted exhaustive comparative evaluations with Shunyata products in 2005. They continue to use a broad combination of Shunyata Research power and signal products as references within their top performing test, exhibit and studio systems.