REFERENCE 10

In 2010, we launched the Reference Anniversary preamplifier, a special limited edition product commemorating our 40th anniversary. Hailed by many as the best preamplifier available, it was a fitting tribute to all the classic Audio Research products launched over the previous four decades. We only accepted new orders for this special product during the anniversary period, which surprised almost everyone, but we felt the limited timeframe was appropriate. Since then, we’ve learned a lot, the result of which led to the development of the Reference 10. This included carefully selected new components, proprietary custom capacitors, wiring, and new connectors, all of which combined to deliver an unprecedented level of performance. Audio Research’s key design characteristics remain: a fully discrete signal path, all tubes, pure Class A, and zero feedback. Other attributes and choices also remain: each unit is entirely hand-soldered and built in our Minnesota factory using the finest materials, and key components such as custom transformers, plated circuit boards, and housings are sourced locally. All engineering is done in-house.
The Reference 10 also follows this new aesthetic path. It boasts a very modern and elegant look that will appeal to new admirers without alienating fans of our older products. The front panel of the main control unit features a new large circular volume knob on the right, below which are two buttons for power and mute (the only two buttons on the unit), and a large display screen on the left. Our logo is positioned above the right-hand knob, making it the first-ever asymmetric audio research preamplifier. The left side of the front panel contains an interactive touchscreen display, allowing users to intuitively control almost all functions.

The power supply chassis connects to the main unit via two umbilical cables, with only a single green LED beneath its offset Audio Research logo. All side panels share the same finish as the front panel: natural anodized, quarter-inch thick, and without visible screws. The entire chassis, including the rear panel, is painted silver to complete the look. There’s a nice new clear acrylic cover with a modified perforated pattern. Furthermore, neither chassis has any printing on the front panel.

With the adoption of a single 20A power cord, the Reference 10 is fully dual-mono from power supply to audio circuitry. Each channel has dual independent low-voltage and high-voltage transformers; dual-mono tube conditioning (one 6H30 and one 6550WE per channel); dual-mono audio circuitry (four 6H30s per channel); and sufficient power storage for serious power amplifier use.

Just as the Reference Anniversary is stunningly superior to its predecessor, the Reference 10 delivers a higher level of resolution, refinement, and vibrancy, vividly improving the music experience in every way. As we said before, words can’t do it justice; to truly understand how profound it is to listen to your favorite recordings, you must hear the Reference 10. It’s amazing.

Electronic Specifications

Frequency response

+0 -3dB 0.1Hz to 200kHz (rated output). (Balanced, 200k ohm load.)

Distortion

The RMS value is less than 0.006% 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 ohm balanced, 60K ohm SE, inputs (7): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, processor. (XLR and RCA connectors).

Output impedance

600 ohm balance, 300 ohm SE main resistor (2), 20K ohm minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance. Outputs (3): 2 main outputs and 1 tape (XLR and RCA connectors).

Output polarity

Non-inverted.

MAX INPUT

Balanced maximum 20V RMS (10V RMS SE).

Rated output

2V RMS (1V RMS SE) connected to a 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS, THD is less than 0.5% at 1kHz).

Crosstalk

-80dB or better at 1kHz.

Control device

Volume (104 steps). Buttons: Power, Mute, Interactive Touch Panel. Rear RS-232 Controls and Infrared Input.

power supply

Electronically regulated low and high voltage power supplies. Automatic 40-second preheating/silent operation upon power failure. Line regulation better than 0.01%.

noise

1.7uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise, volume 1 (109dB output below 2V RMS).

TUBES

(8)-6H30P , plus 6550C and 6H30P (two of each) in the power supply.