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The Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE offers an extensive feature set. There are two separate sets of inputs, with selectable gain between Low (51dB BAL / 45dB SE) and High (74dB BAL / 68dB SE). There are seven loading selections including 47K, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms, and Custom, which we can factory-set according to your need. In addition to standard RIAA phono equalization, the Reference...[more]

Audio Research founder William Z. Johnson was never one to follow popular trends; Audio Research began building vacuum tube components as transistors were replacing tubes for their low cost and simple maintenance. But the fact remained that vacuum tubes simply sounded better. Digital technologies arrived in the mid-1980’s, and offered a level of convenience and low maintenance...[more]

Physically, the Reference Phono 2 is similar to the other Reference preamplifiers, with slab side panels, a vacuum-fluorescent display, and the same height and depth as its predecessors. The front panel has six control buttons for Power, Input, Gain, Load, RIAA and Mute. New silver handles are standard on natural-anodized units, while black handles come with black-anodized units. For owners wan...[more]

The thick front panel simply has an On/Off switch and corresponding LED and does not contain the vacuum-fluorescent display found on its more powerful siblings.  The attractive internal layout is similar in appearance to the REF210 with the right and left channel boards mounted horizontally, flanking the transformers mounted on a raised central channel running front-to-back. A small LCD displ...[more]

When Introduced i, the REF110 power amplifier proved to be one of the most respected and popular stereo power amps ever produced by Audio Research. Now it is superseded by the new REF150, offering more power, more sonic finesse, quieter operation and a more contemporary appearance. Having identical outer dimensions as the REF110, the new REF150 has much more packed into its chassis. Refined fro...[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]

First, you will notice a more modern, monochromatic appearance, including a new front panel with a small aluminum power button: natural units include silver handles and top cover, while black units come with black panel, handles and top cover. A new analog meter replaces the vacuum-fluorescent digital display of its predecessor; this illuminated meter is capable of displaying power output, line...[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]

The REF75 is a great looking amplifier, slightly reminiscent of our older classic designs.  The front panel has two illuminated analog power/bias meters, one for each channel.  Under each meter is a knob to switch from power output to bias monitoring for each output tube.  Bias adjustment points are accessed from the front panel, too, offering real convenience.  The outer di...[more]

The appearance is more refined and attractive, but is clearly a statement piece from Audio Research. A new, optional 12V fan-cooled silver top cover is available at additional cost.   Using the now-standard KT120 output tubes (8 matched pairs, driven by another matched pair) in the classic Audio Research push-pull Class AB output stage, the input stage has been streamlined, using very low ...[more]