Frequency Response: +0 -3dB 0.5Hz to 60kHz at rated output.
Distortion: Less than .015% at 2V RMS Balanced output.
Gain: Main output: 18dB Balanced, 12dB Single Ended output.
Tape output: 0dB. (Processor input: 0dB Balanced. Aux 1 input: 13dB Balanced.)
Input Impedance: 132K ohms Balanced, 66K ohms SE, Inputs (8): tape, tuner, phono, CD, video, aux 1, aux 2, processor, (XLR and RCA connectors).
Output Impedance: 400 ohms Balanced, 200 ohms SE main (2), 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance. Outputs (3): 2 main, 1 tape (XLR and RCA connectors).
Output Polarity: Non inverting Maximum Input: 14V RMS maximum Balanced, (7V RMS SE).
Rated Outputs: 2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 100K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
Controls: Gain (125 steps), Balance, Select Record, Select Input. Toggle switches: Power/Off, SE/Balanced Input, Invert/Normal, Mute/Operate.
Power Supplies: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 45 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
Noise: 20uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced noise output with gain control minimum (100dB below 2V RMS output, 97dB below 1V RMS SE output). Tube Complement: (6) 6H30 triodes; (1) 6L6; (1) 5AR4.
Power Requirements: 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts maximum. (108W typical).
Dimensions: 19" (48 cm) W x 7" (17.8 cm) H (standard rack panel) x 15.5" (39.4 cm) D. Handles extend 11/2" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel. Weight: 31 lbs. (14.1 kg) Net; 44 lbs. (20 kg) Shipping.
Valve Reference standard line stage preamplifier remote control, bal-I/O, SE-I/O
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 of the art in line-level preamplification. On the technical side, the REF2MKII has major changes to both the power supply and analog circuits requiring two new circuit boards and one new toroid. The input circuit board and the digital logic circuit board remain unchanged. The power supply now has newly designed regulator circuits with wideband response more closely approximating that of the active analog circuitry -- providing better dynamic response to the changing demands of the input signal. The analog circuitry now uses J-FETs in the input amplification stage, as several of our newest product upgrades do. The second amplification stage uses a 6H30 twin triode for additional gain, which is directly coupled to another 6H30 serving as a cathode follower / output driver. The 6H30, in current production in Russia, was originally designed for military use and offers a service life of up to 10,000 hours. Finally, the analog circuitry also uses our previously patented cross-coupled circuitry between the input stage and the vacuum-tube stage for more accurate signal tracking and lower distortion. In terms of input / output configuration and control functions, the MKII is unchanged from the original REF2. However, as on the LS25MKII, a 12V output has been added to the rear panel for remote powering of other linked components (this is also installed on factory update units). For updates, please schedule ahead with our Customer Service Department to avoid unnecessary delays. The REF2MKII will without question take top honors again from reviewers around the world as the finest stereo line preamplifier available anywhere, at any price.
