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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]

Concept The Reference Series from Audio Research was first introduced in 1995 and has been the ultimate representation of performance, musicality and power. Beginning with the Reference 1, the Reference 6 now continues the tradition of using the most refined circuit designs in concert with the highest quality parts and components. Numerous elements – transformers, capacitors...[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 REF Phono stage is an all-vacuum-tube design.  Of the 14-tube total, eleven 6922 twin triodes are used in a unique single-ended signal path. High voltage rectification utilizes a 5AR4 / GZ34, while regulation is accomplished using a 6L6GC controlled by another 6922.  For the analog music purist, this is the phono stage to make everyone happy!  Using chassis construction and dime...[more]

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 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]

The power cord is our standard removable IEC. The most important control functions of the SP16, including Power, Mute, Processor, Input select, and Volume Up/Down, are accessible on the right side of the front panel via six soft-touch buttons. On the left side of the front panel (mirroring the control function cutout on the right) is an LED display indicating Input, Processor, Mono, and Mute, with...[more]