Installation of Vacuum Tubes
After removing the top cover and the vacuum tubes packed
in protective foam, see the accompanying illustrated sheet
for instructions on installing the tubes for your Reference 3
in their proper locations in the power supply and audio
section. Note that the numbers written on each tube corre-
spond to a “V” number printed on the circuit board next to
each tube socket. Insert each tube firmly, carefully aligning
the tube pins with the corresponding socket holes.
Also remove the pad from behind the gold-and-red
capacitors on the rear circuit board: this pad protects the
capacitors from movement during shipping. Save the pad
and the foam for the tubes, as well as all other packing
materials, for possible use in future shipment of your pre-
amplifier. Replace the top cover before plugging in and
turning on your Reference 3.
Operating Procedure
Start-Up:
1.
Secure all rear-panel connections between Reference 3,
power amplifier(s) and input sources.
2.
Plug three-prong power cord from rear of chassis into
grounded AC wall outlet. The Power switch defaults to
“off” when the unit is plugged into a power receptacle.
3.
Press power switch (either remote or front panel). “Mute”
will will flash in the display window for approximately
30 seconds, then cease flashing and remain in the
display. Press “Mute” to initiate operation.
4.
Select input source, then BAL or SE as necessary.
Shut-Down:
1.
Activate “Mute” function.
2.
Set Volume level to “0”.
3.
Turn off power amplifier(s).
4.
Press Power switch to “off ”.
5.
Turn off input sources.
Troubleshooting:
It is possible for a static discharge to temporarily disable
the microprocessor that allows the controls to function. If
this should occur, depress the “Mute” button, then turn
off the preamp and unplug the preamp from the A.C. recep-
tacle for 30 seconds. Reconnect the A.C. plug and turn the
preamp back on, along with other components. The
controls should resume normal operation. If the problem
persists, contact your dealer or Audio Research Customer
Service at 763-577-9700.
Servicing
Because of its careful design and exacting standards
of manufacture, your Reference 3 should require no routine
maintenance. The remote control's batteries (AAA) should
be replaced once a year.
C A U T I O N :
Your Reference 3 contains sufficient levels of
voltage and current to be lethal. Do not tamper with a
component or part inside the unit. Refer any needed
service to your authorized Audio Research dealer or other
qualified technician.
The vacuum tubes inside your Reference 3 are quality tubes
and with normal use should not need to be changed for
approximately 4,000 hours of use. Replacement tubes
should be of equivalent quality and are available from
Audio Research. Note that tube numbers (V1, V2 etc.)
match printed numbers next to tube sockets on circuit
board.
Should service be necessary, please contact your
Audio Research dealer, or Audio Research Customer Service
at (763) 577-9700.
Cleaning
To maintain the new appearance of this unit, occasionally
wipe the front panel and top cover with a soft, damp (not
wet) cloth to remove dust. A mild, non-alkaline soap solu-
tion may be used to remove fingerprints or similar
smudges. Cleaners containing abrasives should
not
be used
as they will damage the anodized finish of the front panel.
A small, soft paint brush is effective in removing dust from
bevels, the recessed nameplate and other features of the
front panel.
Disposal and Recycling Guidelines
To dispose of this electronic product, do not place in land-
fill. In accordance with the European Union Waste Electri-
cal and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive effective
August 2005, this product may contain regulated materials
which upon disposal require special reuse and recycling
processing.
Please contact your dealer or importing distributor for
instructions on proper disposal of this product in your
country. Or, contact Audio Research Corporation (763-577-
9700) for the name of your importing distributor and how
to contact them.
Packing and shipping materials may be disposed of in a
normal manner.
Model Reference 3
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