ARC Preamp started clicking exceptionally loudly. HELP!

Tim F

Well-Known Member
Jun 11, 2018
125
43
113
Hi all,

Not sure what goes here so maybe someone will have an idea. My ARC Ref 3 is clicking in both channels, even on mute and when unmuted extremely loudly. Clicks are multiple per second. This is obviously very unhealthy. I have mono-blocks and it's coming through both channels. Happens when my source component is off.

Any thoughts?

Can you recommend someone in the UK to look at this?

Thanks, Tim
 

microstrip

VIP/Donor
May 30, 2010
20,806
4,698
2,790
Portugal
Did you try replacing the tubes?
 

Tim F

Well-Known Member
Jun 11, 2018
125
43
113
Not yet, if that makes sense I'll give it a go, I have some spares. Never heard that faulty tubes could do this.
 

trekpilot

Well-Known Member
Apr 30, 2018
43
37
123
Germantown, WI
Have you tried turning it off and unplugging it for a bit?
I have a ARC LS 25 MKII that on occasion if the power falters all the leds start flashing....only way to stop it is unplug it.
 

LL21

Well-Known Member
Dec 26, 2010
14,411
2,509
1,448
Hi...sorry to hear! Quik checks:
1. Does the clicking get louder or softer with changes in volume or is it constant?
2. And presumably, you have turned on ONLY the amp (preamp off)...and there is NO clicking?
 

Tim F

Well-Known Member
Jun 11, 2018
125
43
113
1. It is constant and with mute off extremely loud
2. Yes no sound from the amps
 

Gregm

Well-Known Member
Mar 14, 2019
525
381
155
France
From your description the noise seems to come from relays or capacitors. In any case, best take it to a qualified tech rather than go it alone! Good luck
 

Tim F

Well-Known Member
Jun 11, 2018
125
43
113
Yeah there is, they are called Absolute sounds and I've met a guy who was charged a lot for work on his ARC pre (can't say whether or not it's fairly but don't want that risk). I have located a couple of engineers that can do the work so all good.
 

christoph

Well-Known Member
Dec 11, 2015
4,660
4,058
825
Principality of Liechtenstein
Yeah there is, they are called Absolute sounds and I've met a guy who was charged a lot for work on his ARC pre (can't say whether or not it's fairly but don't want that risk). I have located a couple of engineers that can do the work so all good.
Best of luck for the repair
 

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