Audio Products

The LS17 SE maintains the same physical size as its predecessor.  The only cosmetic difference is the updated front panel which replaces the black plastic buttons with round metal buttons, complementing the symmetry of the two control knobs flanking the LED display.  The display shows volume as well as which input is selected.  Front panel controls include power, monitor, mute and p...[more]

The LS25 MKII vacuum tube stereo line preamplifier offers sonic performance, functional flexibility and value second only to the world-renowned Reference One preamplifier. Chassis construction is like the REF1, with finished slab sides and heavy top and bottom covers; chassis height and depth are slightly reduced, however. Front-panel control layout is also familiar: microprocessor-controlled r...[more]

The LS27 not only offers remarkable resolution, musicality and dynamic impact, it is Audio Research's most flexible line-stage and able to adapt to most any situation. In terms of control options, the LS27 has selectable High / Medium / Low gain settings for each input, BAL / SE input selection, Left-Right Balance control, Invert (phase), and Stereo / Mono selection. Tube hours can be monitored, t...[more]

LS28 Line Stage Preamplifier The LS28 line stage is a flexible and intuitive preamplifier. Four balanced and four single-ended inputs, and two sets of both balanced and single-ended outputs, allow maximum connectivity. The straightforward menu allows control of numerous parameters, including input naming, tube hours, auto shutdown, and home theater passthrough. Phase invert and mono a...[more]

The new LS8 MKII is a pure Class-A circuit design with a large, fully-regulated power supply and is hand-assembled to the same critical standards as other Audio Research products. MKII component improvements include new regulator FET devices, higher-quality resistors, new Infinicap(r) coupling capacitors and our latest selected 6922 twin triode vacuum tubes. Mechanically, the MKII incorporates new...[more]

Introduced in the spring of 1998, the REF2 received a continuous stream of accolades from around the world. True to its name, it became the reference line-stage preamplifier, purchased new by a thousand music lovers and coveted by thousands more. With the MKII version having been introduced in 2000, it is time to push the performance envelope once again. We are proud to introduce the all new RE...[more]

The REF 5 is the latest model in a series of the finest and most successful line-stage preamplifiers ever made. From the REF1 to the REF2 to the REF3 to the REF5, each one has built upon the legacy of its predecessor as the most sought-after reference level line-stage preamplifier. The REF5 clearly redefines the state of the art at a price that is not inexpensive but represents extraordinary value...[more]

Bound to become an "Audio Legend", truly remarkable.Ricardo FranassoviciIn April of 1970 Audio Research was founded as the sole American manufacturer of exclusively vacuum-tube preamplifiers and power amplifiers. Along the way, many Audio Research models became benchmarks and collectors’ items as the company steadily built a reputation for great performance and great value. It was never...[more]

The ebb and flow of a bass line, percussive textures, and time changes now make more musical sense as you hear them revealed by the greater immediacy and dynamic freedom of the REF2MKII. Finally, the MKII presents the music with a solidity and focus and coherence that is simply not present to the same degree in the original. From top to bottom, then, the REF2MKII is a another advance of the state ...[more]

Introduced in May and June 2009, the REF5 and REF Phono 2 are sufficiently mature to warrant an update.   Beginning immediately, the REF5 and REF Phono 2 (RP2 for brevity) are being updated to SE status, with greatly enhanced performance and the latest cosmetics. Non-SE versions will no longer be available. The upgrades are applicable to both REF5SE and RP2SE. The most obvious change is to...[more]