$24,000.00

Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier

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

 

Product Description

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  Audio Research 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 Audio Research 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.

The Audio Research Reference Phono 3SE phono preamplifier is housed in a single chassis with heavy, machined aluminum side panels and special acrylic top and bottom covers for the best sound. The vacuum-tube audio stage utilizes six 6H30 vacuum tubes (three per channel), while one 6H30 and a 6550WE provide 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. Menu functions include auto shutdown, gain and load settings, display brightness, equalization settings (RIAA, Columbia and Decca), and accumulated tube hours.

High- and low-gain settings, as well as six fixed and one custom impedance setting, can accommodate most any moving coil or moving magnet cartridge. Two single-ended inputs provide connectivity to two turntables. There are two main outputs providing both balanced and single-ended outputs. RS-232 and IR input allow for additional control options. The Reference Phono 3 includes a full-function remote control.

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.