Audio Research Reference 10 Preamplifier
Some components impress you within the first few minutes, but the Audio Research Reference 10 has a rather different trick up its sleeve. It gradually makes everything else in the system seem less interesting. There is an extraordinary sense of quiet, space and composure to the way this line stage handles music, revealing the smallest textures and shifts in dynamics without ever drawing attention to itself. Voices acquire an almost tangible presence, instruments occupy precise pockets of space, and complex recordings remain beautifully ordered. It is an exceptionally transparent preamplifier, but what makes the Reference 10 special is that its transparency never comes at the expense of musicality.
Technically, the Reference 10 is built around four matched 6H30 dual-triode valves, with a separate power supply chassis housing six 6550WE valves. Its fully balanced design, low-noise circuitry and extensive connectivity make it an exceptionally serious control centre for a high-end two-channel system. Yet for all the engineering underneath, the Reference 10 remains wonderfully straightforward in use: select your source, set the volume and let it get on with the important business of making music sound convincing. It is an uncompromising piece of high-end audio, but one that’s surprisingly easy to live with.
Audio Research Reference 10 Preamplifier
Main Features & Specifications
- All the info on the Audio Research Reference 10
- Design: Flagship Fully Balanced Tube Line Level Preamplifier
- Two-chassis design - power supply and fully dual-mono design preamplifier
- Improves on the critically acclaimed Reference Anniversary preamplifier
- Critically chosen new components, proprietary custom made capacitors, wiring, connectors
- Fully discrete, all-tube, pure Class-A, zero feedback signal path
- Asymmetrical design featuring a 7" interactive touch-screen display
- Frequency Response: +0 -3dB 0.1Hz to 200kHz at rated output, (Balanced, 200k ohms load.)
- Distortion: Less than .006% at 2V RMS Balanced output
- Gain: Main output (SE or BAL input)12dB Balanced output, 6dB Single Ended output, Tape output: 0dB, (Processor input: 0dB Balanced)
- Input Impedance: 120K ohms Balanced, 60K Ohms SE, Inputs (7): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Processor (XLR and RCA connectors).
- Output Impedance: 600 ohms Balanced, 300 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: 20V RMS maximum Balanced, (10V RMS SE)
- Rated Outputs: 2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K Ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz)
- Crosstalk: -80dB or better at 1kHz
- Controls: Volume (104 steps), Push Buttons: Power, Mute, Interactive Touch Panel, Rear RS-232 control and IR input
- Power Supplies: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies, Automatic 40 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute, Line regulation better than .01%.
- Noise: 1.7uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise with volume at 1 (109dB below 2V RMS output)
- Tube Complement: (8)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (2 each) 6550C and 6H30P in power supply
- Power Requirements: 200-270VAC 50/60Hz 235 Watts maximum, Standby 0.8 Watts
- Preamp Dimensions (WxHxD): 480 x 178 x 394 mm (Handles extend 38 mm forwards)
- Preamp Weight: 10.7 kg
- Power Supply Dimensions (WxHxD): 480 x 178 x 394 mm (Handles extend 38 mm forwards)
- Power Supply Weight: 17.07 kg
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: 3 Years on Electronics, 90 Days on Tubes
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.
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+61 3 9639 2737
cavmail@carltonaudiovisual.com.au
186 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
