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 (6) Power, Input, Gain, Load, RIAA, Mute. Remote adds ‘Hours’ and ‘Display’.
INPUT IMPEDANCE: 47K ohms and 100pF SE. Selectable loads: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms and Custom.
WEIGHT: 27 lbs. (12.3 kg) Net; 38 lbs. (17.3 kg) Shipping.
Audio Research continues the tradition of advancing state of the art in music reproduction with the introduction of the Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE preamplifier. Using component technologies derived directly from the acclaimed Reference Anniversary preamplifier, the Reference Phono 2 SE provides substantial sonic enhancements beyond its predecessor and brings the listener closer to the music than ever. Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE shares similar aesthetics with other Reference preamplifiers in form and size.
The front panel has been redesigned to accommodate new metal buttons, and the faceplate and other features are available in silver or black.
The Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE offers an extensive feature set. There are two separate sets of inputs, with selectable gain between Low (51dB BAL / 45dB SE) and High (74dB BAL / 68dB SE). There are seven loading selections including 47K, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms, and Custom, which we can factory-set according to your need. In addition to standard RIAA phono equalization, the Reference Phono 2 SE also includes early stereo Columbia and Decca equalization curves. The display shows all selected functions (Input, Gain, Loading, EQ, Mute, Tube Hours) and the microprocessor remembers settings for each input.
The Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE is a fully balanced design with an input circuit that allows its RCA inputs to operate in a balanced configuration without requiring an inverter. The tube complement is similar to that of other Reference components, with four 6H30s in the gain stagewith a 6550C and 6H30 in the power supply. The Reference Phono 2 also features the same basic analog stage as its acclaimed siblings. Rather thanusing 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. There are new, proprietary capacitors throughout, increased power supply capacitance, and eleven stages of power supply regulation. The Audio Research Reference Phono 2 SE makes incredible music.The black background is stunning, allowing depth and texture to emerge from your recordings unlike you have ever previously experienced.
