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. Learn More

The Reference 6SE replaces the Reference 6 and offers the highest performance ever available in a single-chassis preamplifier. Benefitting from the development that went into the Reference 160-series amplifiers, and the latest Reference 750SEL, the 6SE incorporates a myriad of new parts that have been judiciously incorporated into its design. The final 6SE would not have been possible without these revolutionary amplifiers.

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The new Audio Research i50 integrated amplifier is the new entry level offering from US tube manufacturer, Audio Research. 

Audio Research is the sort of brand that hardened audiophiles lust after, drool over and buckle at the knees for...myself included. The sort of effortless, unadultered, rich sound that keeps us back late at night playing tracks that we've heard thousands of times before because they suddenly sound so real with Audio Research. 

Aesthetically, Audio research has a timeless elegance to it not only because of the valves but also the brushed aluminium finish. There's no plastic add ons with this brand or ostentatious flashing, multi-coloured lights...

Like a German piano from the early 20th century, you lust after them because they're beautiful pieces of furniture but also because their sound is rich & warm yet clearer and more natural than others.

For many people, like myself, Audio Research is an aspirational brand, something we hope, with a bit of luck will grace our living rooms one day. But with the new offering of the i50, we hope that day will come sooner for us all. 

Audio Research has spent years perfecting this design so as not to compromise on their stingent standards of quality and tone but to nevertheless offer something at a more modest price level. You can opt out of a built-in phono stage or DAC module depending on your needs as well. Learn More

The Pinacle of Valve Amplifier Technology. The Top of the Line Reference product in Audio Research's Stables. 

Follows the legacy of the Reference 600 to create an ultimate, tube-driven amplifier with enough
power to drive any speaker load, and provide a musical experience unlike any before it

Capable of delivering 750 watts of power into speaker loads of 4, 8 & 16 ohms

Massive, custom-built power transformer delivering current from sixteen KT120 vacuum tubes

Monolithic tower design features twin analog meters - 1 for output wattage and bias, 1 for incoming A.C.

Available as a special order. Learn More

Audio Research introduced its first Reference series CD player in 2005 with the Reference CD7, then evolving into the Reference CD8. Both players received critical acclaim for their accuracy and naturalness. People still want to play their CDs, but they also want to add other digital sources such as computer audio and streaming to their music systems, so we created the Reference CD9SE CD Player/DAC. It combines the best of both, a super high-resolution compact disc player with a super high-resolution digital-to-analog converter that is stunning in its musicality.

What Hi Fi? love it ...

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/audio-research-reference-cd9-se

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This replaces the much loved Reference 75 ... now with the Ghost Meter display and the minimal signal path circuitry that characterises thius new range.. It's a beautiful thing.

The Audio Research Reference 80S stereo amplifier continues Audio Research’s latest design effort in creating a vacuum-tube amplifier that not only redefines ultimate music reproduction, but does it in an incredibly beautiful package. Learn More

Available for Demo. This wonderful power amplifier has Audio Research's proprietary auto-bias circuit which adjusts for tube wear. The new VT80SE is Audio research's much-anticipated entirely new entry point power amplifier combining an enticing new esthetic with worry-free operation and great audio performance, the VT80SE is a vacuum-tube amplifier that will open doors to a new customer base. Learn More

Sonically, the CD6SE is a stunner, uncovering new musical detail in every corner of your recordings and providing startling dynamics, both micro and macro. The top end is extended, airy and pure, while bass definition and impact are precise and powerful. The recording venues are lifelike, broad and expansive or close-up and intimate, depending on what was captured by the recording engineer. Like great analog, listening to music through the CD6SE draws you into the performance, not just the notes, with resolution and transparency that are in service of the music. Experience your music in High Definition

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Significant step-up from the VSi60 in every meaningful way Muscular 75 watts per channel, 50% more than the VSi60 New low profile anodized front panel Power transformer designed around the new (4x) KT150 output tubes Incorporates some key parts from the REF75 including proprietary coupling caps Learn More

The PH9 phono preamplifier is a great pairing with most cartridge and turntable combinations.

A trio of 6H30 vacuum tubes are at the core of a simple and clear signal path to provide the most transparent preamplification possible.

Five different impedance settings allow for cartridge loading, which can be changed on the fly with the included metal remote. Cartridge impedance, tube hours, auto shutdown, and other features are included in the menu system.

The PH9 forms an integral part of our reference system and sits alongside the Audio Research Ref 6 preamp and 160M Monoblocks that power the Sonus Faber Aida 2s.

We currently run the exceptional Acoustic Signature Ascona Mk3 Turntable with this system.

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The DAC9 digital-to-analog converter decodes most current formats with state-of-the-art vacuum tube technology. Five digital connections - USB, RCA, BNC, AES/EBU, and Toslink - provide connectivity to all of your digital sources. Quad DAC architecture provides a balanced digital signal, wide dynamic range, and decoding resolutions from red book CD up to 384 kHz and native DSD sampling rates. A pair of 6H30 vacuum tubes are the heart of the analog circuit. Both balanced and single-ended connectors are provided for output connectivity. Native-rate upsampling and selectable digital filters allow customization of the digital signal.

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Now on demonstration this is the much awaited successor to the Ref 150 and incorporates the revisions that made the Ref 160 mono blocks the "best amplifier in the world".

This Stereo version uses the same four layer circuit boards that dramatically decreased the signal length in the 160M monoblocks. It has been described as like buying a pair of 160Ms but just buying one and getting the second for an extra twenty percent ...

With eight KT150 valves inside ... and not just any KT150 but a group of specially made and selected and matched ... this has the option of Ultralinear or Triode modes of operation.

Ultralinear gives double the power apparently while triode offers the simplest circuit mode possible with lower power and sweeter sound.

And the first review from "Stereophile": Stereophile January 2020 on the Reference 160S

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The LS28 has been a favourite pre-amp of mine for a number of years trumped only by Audio Research's Ref 6SE. But that Ref 6SE stays put (generally) in our reference system. It's the LS28 that gets moved around, played and loved in a whole lot of combinations. It was sad to see our demo unit go but it's gone to a good home where it'll be appreciated.

The new LS28SE has the same musicality and relaxed engagement but even more clarity, focus and quickness. It's taking the expensive gold coupling caps from the REF 6SE and the same wiring and parts upgrades that the REF6SE went through.

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Every now and then one gets the privilege of being in custody of something that is a work of absolute beauty and performance ... having a pair of these on demonstration is the High Fidelity equivalent of a violinist being rendered with a Stradivarius by a patron.

Putting them into the Sonus faber Aida 2 system immediately bought the musicians into the room ... I have a particular opera recording that was sold in by Hartleys in Melbourne in 1957 that I procured in a lost corner of a curio store from a deceased estate. Playing this with these amplifiers Puccini and la Boheme were born again in the space ... time travel is a reality with a system like this ... yes we cried a little.

"Hi-Fi News" on the Ref160M. 

The official website for the Ref160M. 

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Audio Research is pleased to announce the Reference 160S stereo power amplifier. A vacuum-tube design, it follows in the footsteps of the internationally-acclaimed 160M monaural power amplifier, introduced in 2018, which has won multiple amplifier-of the-year honors from publications such as Stereophile, Hi-Fi+, and others.

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When Audio Research was founded in 1970, analog vinyl playback was the de facto music source of the time. Audio Research has either incorporated or built stand-alone phono stages since the very beginning and has continuously provided phono preamplification, even during the height of digital music.

The Reference Phono 3SE is the next great advancement in analog playback and represents a new benchmark. The knowledge gained in the creation of Audio Research’s award-winning Reference 160-series amplifiers has transitioned to both Reference preamplifiers. The Reference Phono 3SE continues the upgrades introduced in the Reference 6SE line-stage, including a number of new, ultra-high-quality parts judiciously incorporated into its design and ushering in a new level of sonic accuracy and musicality.

Due to the extremely low-level nature of the signals involved in a phono stage, the component and wiring upgrades incorporated in the Reference Phono 3SE combine to create a startling advancement in performance. The improvements heard immediately include enhanced resolution at all levels, greater purity and focus, improved transient speed and snap, and better dynamic shading. The sum of these improvements is exceptional, further breaking down the barrier between reproduced sound and the immediacy of a live event.

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REFERENCE 10

LINE STAGE PREAMPLIFIER

In 2010 we announced the Reference Anniversary preamplifier, a special limited edition product commemorating our 40th anniversary. It was acclaimed by many as the finest preamplifier available and a fitting tribute to all of the classic Audio Research products that were introduced during the forty years that preceded it. That we would only accept new orders for this special product during the anniversary year surprised almost everyone, but we considered the limited time frame appropriate. Since that time, we have learned a few things, and the result of that knowledge led to the development of the Reference 10. Included are critically chosen new components, proprietary custom-made capacitors, wiring, and new connectors that cumulatively provide a level of performance never before achieved. Key Audio Research design traits remain: The signal path is fully discrete, all-tube, pure Class-A, with zero feedback. Other attributes and choices remain, too: Each unit is completely hand-soldered and hand-constructed in our Minnesota facility using the finest materials, with major components such as custom transformers, plated-through circuit boards, and casework sourced locally. All engineering is performed in-house.

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1. All models are Server & Streamer in one (no streamer only)
2. 250 GB SSD Cached Drive – all models have them.
3. Screens – all models have them, usually with full colour album art
4. Concierge Service on all models
5. Engineering Quality – no pressed metal chassis or off-the-shelf components
6. Turnkey Digital Solution - Full Control of Hardware, Firmware and Software
7. UPS Power Supply on all models.
8. Dedicated USB Audio Outputs (not ACS100)
9. Double Isolated LAN port on most models
10. Audio First - No Wi-Fi and No Roon giving ultimate stability.
11. No on-going subsciptions or licences necessary Aurender Software or Apps

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Anthem is "the other woman" of the surround sound Receiver market and is a quality alternative to the tier one Denon/Marantz/Yamaha products. This is the first integrated Receiver available of the new 40 series and it has the latest version of their acclaimed ARC Genesis room correction circuitry. The Bass management is considered the best in the business. The MRX740 is seven x 100 watts ... approximately ... and it's output stage is able to be rematrixed so that you can put a power amp on the main channels and use the internal channels for the surround speakers. This is a great amp for growing into a full blown 11.2 Atmoa speaker system.

Anthem homepage for the MRX740 

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