Audio Research Reference 6 - System Placement and Airflow; Vacuum Tube Lifespan Overview

7
Installation
In your system
To ensure normal component life and safe
operation this unit must be operated
only in an upright position. Adequate
airow and proper cooling can occur
only if there is no restriction above and
behind the unit and on either side.
The special non-marring elastomer feet
provide adequate spacing and stability
only on a smooth, hard surface, and also
assist to isolate the preamplier from
spurious vibrations. For upright stability
and best performance, never operate
the unit while it is sitting on a soft
surface such as a thick rug or carpet.
Due to its weight, this preamplier must
be supported on a surface specically
rated for such a load. Check with the
manufacturer of your support system to
be sure it is rated to handle this weight.
If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure
such as an equipment rack, make certain
that adequate airow above and to
each side of the unit is provided. Audio
Research recommends a minimum of
6-8 inches (15-20 cm) of clearance above
the Reference 6 to maintain proper
ambient operating temperature.
The ‘ambient’ operating temperature should
never exceed 120° F or 49° C. Improper
installation will cause premature tube
failure and will aect your warranty,
as well as the service life of the unit.
It is normal for a vacuum tube preamplier
to run quite warm, and if used for
prolonged periods, hot to the touch.
All components within are, however,
operated at safe, conservative levels
and will not be improperly aected
thereby, providing the requirements
outlined above are adhered to.
A Note about Vacuum Tubes
The vacuum tubes in your Reference 6 have
been burned in, tested and electrically
matched to provide the best performance
and reliability of your preamplier. That
said, vacuum tubes must be replaced
from time to time. The 6H30 tubes in
the Reference 6 should have an expected
life of approximately 4,000 hours,
while the 6550WE tube in the power
supply should have a life expectancy of
approximately 2,000 hours. These life
expectancies are only approximate.