Since its founding in 1970, vinyl record playback has been an integral part of Audio Research. Recall the great phono preamps that defined the preamplifier category at the time, including the SP3, SP6, SP8, SP10, and SP11. Even after the introduction of CDs in 1982, the phono preamplifier section remained a highly regarded part of our preamplifiers. The first standalone Audio Research phono preamplifier was released in 1992. After all this time, we are proud to finally launch our first-ever two-chassis phono preamplifier, the Reference Phono 10. This model name is chosen because it reflects the unparalleled performance level offered by its peers. The front panel features a 7-inch diagonal touchscreen, asymmetrically mounted, with only two power and mute buttons. The interactive touchscreen allows users to change inputs (and input names), EQ, load, gain, mute, foreground and background colors of the display, intensity display, and tube time. Control functions are repeated on the included metal remote control. The front and side panels are made of 3/8-inch brushed and anodized aluminum, and the tops of both units are made of acrylic resin with a laser-cut perforated pattern (chosen for its sonic advantages).

The Reference Phono 10 embodies all our knowledge of phono playback and incorporates many insights gained during the development of the Reference Anniversary and Reference 10 line-level preamplifiers. The Reference Phono 10 features a true dual-mono design, with each channel having a completely independent signal path starting from the dual-mono power supply. Each channel has independent high-voltage and low-voltage transformers and provides ample energy storage for a serious amplifier, twice the capacity of the Reference Phono 2, offering incredible dynamic headroom. There are twenty levels of electronic tuning, with individual tube tuning for each channel. Dual umbilical cables connect the power supply to a separate analog stage. The power cord inlet includes a 20A IEC connector.

The dual-mono audio circuitry is completely discrete, pure Class A, and has zero feedback. The low-gain audio section uses eight 6H30 tubes, four per channel. The high-gain section does not use a step-up transformer; instead, it employs special high-gain, extremely low-noise FETs. This approach is more expensive than using a transformer, but the significant performance improvement is worthwhile. The design is fully balanced, and its input circuitry allows its RCA inputs to operate in a balanced configuration without an inverter. There are two sets of inputs with the same flexibility as the Reference Phono 2SE, including switchable low and high gain, seven load options including 47kΩ, 1000Ω, 500Ω, 200Ω, 100Ω, and 50Ω, and a custom option to your needs based on factory settings. In addition to standard RIAA equalization,

From the very first note of this precious LP, its greatness is evident and breathtaking—the Reference Phono 10 is a sonic bombshell, setting a new standard for analog music playback. Great vinyl records possess explosive, dynamic qualities typically found only in live performances, whether it’s the crescendo of an orchestra, the roar of a rock band, or a complex piano solo. When needed, the stage is vast, holographic, and immersive: dimensions are redefined, possessing a captivating quality that makes you want to reach out and touch it. The RP10 resolves so much detail, without a trace of graininess, eliciting new information from familiar rhythms that delights the listener. The musical experience becomes more engaging and compelling—you don’t want it to end. But these are mere words compared to the actual listening experience. Understanding can only come from listening.

Reference Phono 10 – This product successfully demonstrates the superiority of analog playback. High Definition Music®.

Electronic Specifications

Electronic Specifications

Frequency response

± 0.2dB RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz; 3dB point below 0.3Hz and above 300kHz.

Distortion

Less than 0.002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output.

GAIN

At 1kHz BAL, selectable 51dB (low) and 74dB (high); at 1kHz SE, selectable 45dB (low) and 68dB (high). (MC and MM compatible).

Button

Front (2) Power supply, silent operation.

Input impedance

47K ohms and 100pF SE. Optional loads are 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms and custom.

RIAA EQ

(Optional) RIAA, Columbia, Decca.

Output polarity: Non-inverting.

Output impedance

200 ohms SE, 400 ohms balanced. Recommended load: 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (Minimum 10K ohms, maximum 2000pF).

MAX INPUT

At 1 kHz, it is 250 mV RMS (at 10 kHz, it is 680 mV RMS).

Rated output

0.5V RMS 10Hz to 20kHz, 100K ohm load (output capability is 80V RMS BAL output, 1/2% THD at 1kHz, 40V SE).

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

0.22uV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, short-circuit (low gain) input (below 1mV at 1kHz input, 73 dB). 0.055uV equivalent input noise (high gain) (below 0.1mV at 1kHz input, 65 dB).

TUBES

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

Power requirements

100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) Maximum 235 watts. Standby 0.8 watts.

SIZE

Width 19 inches (48 cm); Height 7 inches (17.8 cm) (standard rack panel).