Vacuum-tube phono preamplifier. Tube complement: eleven 6922/E88CC, one 5AR4, one 6L6GC, one 6992 in power supply. Frequency response/RIAA accuracy: ±0.15dB of RIAA, 10Hz–60kHz; 3dB points below 1Hz and above 250kHz. Voltage gain: 48dB (low), 69dB (high) at 1kHz. Input impedance: 280 ohms (High Gain); 47k ohms (Low Gain). Hum and noise: 0.56µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, shorted (low gain) input (65dB ref. 1mV 1kHz input); 0.055µV equivalent input noise (high gain) (65dB ref. 0.1mV 1kHz input). Distortion: 0.005% at 500mV RMS output at 1kHz. Output impedance: 200 ohms unbalanced. Recommended load: 50k–100k ohms in parallel with 100pF (10k ohms minimum and 2nF maximum). Rated output capability: 500mV RMS (10Hz–60kHz) into 100k ohms (maximum output capability is 30V RMS output at 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
Dimensions: 19" W by 7" H by 15.5" D. Weight: 28 lbs.
Audio Research Ref Ph3
Audio Research founder William Z. Johnson was never one to follow popular trends; Audio Research began building
vacuum tube components as transistors were replacing tubes for their low cost and simple maintenance. But the fact
remained that vacuum tubes simply sounded better. Digital technologies arrived in the mid-1980’s, and offered a level
of convenience and low maintenance, but again at the sacrifice of ultimate playback performance. Audio Research
has never discontinued its support for vinyl playback, but instead utilized the collective knowledge accumulated over
the decades to produce some of the finest phono preamplifiers available on the market.
The Reference Phono 3 is a continuation of the work which has been evolving other components in the Audio
Research Reference Series over the past year. In mid-2015, all of the amplifiers received significant performance
enhancements with the SE updates - new output tubes, components, and other parts ushered in a new level of sonic
accuracy and musicality. This exposed a need for higher resolution and dynamic capabilities in components upstream
from the amplifiers, and in October 2015 the Reference 6 was introduced. The Reference Phono 3 is the next step in
our pursuit of musical realism.
Like the Reference 6, the tube count in the analog section Reference Phono 3 has been increased from four to six. The
power supply has been redesigned to accomodate the additional tubes, as well as provide a greater dynamic range.
Numerous other components and parts, including proprietary coupling capacitors, wiring and cryogenically-treated
pieces advance the playback experience to a level reminiscent of master tape playback for a realism and palpability
previously unavailable.
The Reference Phono 3 phono preamplifier is housed in a single chassis paneled in custom-machined aluminum. The
vacuum tube audio stage utilizes six 6H30 vacuum tubes (three per channel), and 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 control power, mute, input, and menu controls. Menu functions include:
auto shutdown, gain and load settings, display brightness, equalization settings, and tube hour reset. High and
low gain settings, as well as six fixed and one custom impedance setting, accomodate most any moving magnet or
moving coil 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 ships with a full-function metal remote.
Experience the next level in vinyl playback with the Reference Phono 3. The first units, available in natural anodized
aluminum with acrylic cover, begin shipping in February. Retail is set at US$14,000. Experience the next level of High
Definition®.
