$45,000.00

Reference Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier

If you have a trade-in, request Trade-in Price.

 

Product Description

Vinyl record playback has been an integral part of Audio Research since our founding in 1970. Think back to the great phono stages built into the defining preamplifiers of their day, among them the SP3, SP6, SP8, SP10, and SP11. Even after the introduction of the compact disc in 1982, phono sections remained a revered part of our preamplifiers. The first Audio Research phono preamplifier in a separate chassis was introduced in 1992. After all this time, we are proud to finally introduce the first two-chassis phono preamplifier in our history, the Audio Research Reference Phono 10.

This model number was designated because it mirrors its line-stage counterpart, the Reference 10, providing an unsurpassed level of performance in its category. The front panel has a 7” diagonal touch screen mounted asymmetrically, and only two buttons for power and mute. The interactive touch screen allows the user to change inputs (and input names), equalization, loading, gain, muting, foreground and background colors of the display, display intensity, and tube hours. Control functions are duplicated on the supplied metal remote. The front and side panels are 3/8” brushed and anodized aluminum, and the tops of both units are acrylic with a laser-cut perforation pattern (chosen for its sonic benefits).

The Audio Research Reference Phono 10v embodies everything we know about phono playback, and incorporates many of the insights gained in the development of the Reference Anniversary and Reference 10 line-stage preamplifiers. The Reference Phono 10 is a true dual-mono design with totally separate signal paths for each channel, from the dual-mono power supply forward. There are separate high- and low-voltage transformers for each channel, and sufficient energy storage for a serious amplifier, fully twice the capacity of a Reference Phono 2, providing incredible dynamic headroom. There are twenty stages of electronic regulation, with separate vacuum-tube regulation for each channel. Dual umbilical cords connect between the power supply and the separate analog stage. The power cord inlet contains a 20A IEC connector.

The dual-mono audio circuits are fully discrete, pure Class-A, with zero feedback. The low gain audio section uses eight 6H30 tubes, four per channel. Rather than using a step-up transformer, special high-gain, extremely low-noise FETs are used in the high- gain section. This approach is costlier than using a transformer, but it is well worth the dramatic performance increase. The design is fully balanced, with an input circuit that allows its RCA inputs to operate in a balanced configuration without requiring an inverter. There are two sets of inputs with the same flexibility as the Reference Phono 2SE, including switchable Low and High gain, seven loading options including 47k, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms, plus Custom which can be factory-set according to your needs. In addition to standard RIAA equalization, the Reference Phono 10 also includes early Columbia and Decca equalization curves.

From the first note on that treasured LP, its greatness is at once obvious and breathtaking—the Reference Phono 10 is a sonic blockbuster that establishes the new standard in analog music playback. Emphatically. Great vinyl takes on an explosive, dynamic quality that is normally encountered only in a live performance, whether the crescendo of an orchestra, a roaring rock band, or the intricacies of a solo piano. When called for, the stage is vast, holographic, enveloping: Dimensionality is redefined, with an engaging, ‘reach out and touch it’ quality. The RP10 resolves so much detail without grain, delighting listeners with new information extracted from those familiar grooves. The musical experience is so much more involving and persuasive—you do not want it to end. But these are mere words that pale in comparison to the actual listening experience. Understanding only comes from listening.

The Audio Research Reference Phono 10 – the product that triumphantly validates the superiority of analog playback. Music in High Definition®.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 

± .2dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz; 3dB points below 0.3Hz and above 300kHz.

DISTORTION 

Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output.

GAIN

Selectable 51dB (Low), 74dB (High) at1kHz BAL; 45dB (Low), 68dB (High) at1kHz SE. (MC & MM compatible).

BUTTONS 

Front (2) Power, Mute.

INPUT IMPEDANCE 

47K ohms and 100pF SE. Selectable loads 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms and Custom.

PHONO EQUALIZATION

(Selectable) RIAA, Columbia, Decca.

OUTPUT POLARITY Non inverting.

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE 

200 ohms SE, 400 ohms balanced. Recommended load 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (10K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum).

MAXIMUM INPUT 

250mV RMS at 1kHz (680 mV RMS at10kHz).

RATED OUTPUTS 

0.5V RMS 10Hz to 20kHz, 100K ohm load (output capability is 80V RMS BAL output at 1/2% THD at1kHz, 40V SE).

POWER SUPPLIES

Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 40 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.

NOISE

0.22uV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, shorted(Low Gain) input (73 dB below 1mV 1kHz input). 0.055uV equivalent input noise (High Gain) (65dB below 0.1mV 1kHz input).

TUBE COMPLEMENT 

(8)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (2 each) 6550C and 6H30P in power supply.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 235 watts maximum. Standby 0.8 watts.

DIMENSIONS 

Width 19” (48 cm); Height 7” (17.8 cm) (standard rack panel).

Brand

Audio Research

High definition is the primary goal of all Audio Research products. Ever since founder William Z. Johnson revamped the vacuum-tube design over forty years ago, the company has been at the forefront of audio innovation. Vacuum tube electronics under their watch set the standard for high-end audio and home theater surround sound. Each product is made in its Maple, Grove, Minnesota headquarters with the help of over 50 technical, assembly and support staff.

Experience exceptional audio quality with their line of amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and sources (both digital and analog). All electronics feature vacuum-tube designs as opposed to the low-cost solid-state devices sold by many audio manufacturers. The result is unprecedented audio accuracy to please even the most demanding audiophiles.

The Reference 6SE line-source preamplifier perfectly showcases the company's commitment to quality. The latest chapter in the Reference Series brings the ultimate clarity without distortion or feedback. It features 6H30 tubes in the gain stage, a highly-regulated power supply, and an additional 6550 tube providing vacuum-tube regulation.

You are always in good hands with Audio Research's customer care team. They will repair and restore most products dating back over their 40-year history. In fact, their models are so reliable that they have gained collector status in the audiophile world and have superb resale value.

As a nationally recognized leader in the field of high-end audio and home theater, Overture is a proud dealer of Audio Research components, selling customers the best vacuum tube electronics from Audio Research in Sales Tax Free Delaware. Interested in purchasing a new Audio Research component? You can trade-in any component towards an Audio Research component by filling out Overture's Trade-In Form.