Audio Research Corporation
Audio Research Reference Phono 3SE
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The Reference Phono 3SE represents a new performance benchmark in a single-chassis phono stage.
When Audio Research was founded in 1970, analog vinyl playback was the de facto music source of the time. Audio Research has built phono playback into preamplifiers or created stand-alone phono stages since the very beginning.
The knowledge gained in the creation of Audio Research’s latest award-winning Reference-series amplifiers has transitioned to both the Reference 6SE line-stage and the Reference Phono 3SE, elevating its performance dramatically. Ultra-high quality parts and design details usher in a new level of sonic accuracy and musicality.
The improvements in the latest REF Phono 3SE 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.
The vacuum-tube audio stage utilizes six 6H30 vacuum tubes (three per channel), while a 6H30 and a 6550 provide partial tube regulation in the power supply.
The large, vacuum fluorescent display on the front panel shows all functions relative to the selected input. A row of six buttons controls power, mute, input, and menu controls.
Two inputs provide connectivity to two turntables or tonearms, with independent settings for each input. Other features include variable display brightness, an IR input, tube hour meter, and both balanced and single-ended outputs.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Frequency Response | ±.2 dB of RIAA, 10 Hz to 60kHz; 3 dB points below 0.3Hz and above 300 kHz |
| Distortion | Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output |
| Gain | Selectable 51 dB (Low) and 73 dB (High) at 1kHz BAL; 45 dB (Low) and 67 dB (High) at 1kHz SE. (MC and MM compatible). |
| Input Impedance | 47k Ohms and 100 pF SE. Selectable loads: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 Ohms, and Custom. |
| Output Impedance | 400 ohms Balanced, 200 ohms SE. Recommended load 50k-100k Ohms and 100 pF. (10k Ohms minimum and 2000 pF maximum). |
| Output Polarity | Non-inverting |
| Phono Equalization | (selectable) RIAA, Columbia, and Decca. |
| Maximum Input | 250 mV RMS at 1kHz (680 mV RMS at 10kHz) – Low Gain |
| 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) |
| Controls | 6 Push Buttons: Power, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute |
| Power Supplies | Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 2 minute warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%. |
| Noise | 0.28 µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted. Shorted (Low Gain) input (71 dB below 1mV 1kHz input). 0.082 µV equivalent input noise (High Gain). (62 dB below 0.1 mV 1kHz input). |
| Tube Complement | (6)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550WE and 6H30P in power supply |
| Power Requirements | 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts. Standby: 2 watts. |
| Dimensions | Width 19” (48 cm) Height 7.8” (19.8 cm) Depth 16.5” (41.9 cm) Handles extend 1.6” (4 cm) forward of the front panel. Weight: 36.5 lbs. (16.6 kg) Net; 53 lbs. (24 kg) Shipping. |
