When Audio Research was founded in 1970, analog vinyl record playback was the de facto source of music. From the outset, Audio Research incorporated or built standalone phono preamps and has consistently provided phono preamps, even during the heyday of digital music. The Reference Phono 3SE represents the next major advancement in analog playback, setting a new benchmark. The knowledge gained in creating Audio Research’s award-winning Reference 160 series amplifiers has been transferred to these two Reference preamps. The Reference Phono 3SE continues the upgrades introduced in the Reference 6SE series, including the judicious incorporation of many new, high-quality components into its design, taking sonic accuracy and musicality to new levels. Due to the extremely low signal levels involved in phono preamps, the component and wiring upgrades in the Reference Phono 3SE combine to achieve remarkable performance improvements. Immediately audible improvements include enhanced resolution at all levels, greater purity and focus, improved transient response and capture, and better dynamic coloration. The sum of these improvements is extraordinary, further breaking down the barriers between reproducing sound and the immediacy of live performance.

Reference Phono 3SE phono preamplifier is housed in a chassis with heavy-duty machined aluminum side panels and special acrylic top and bottom covers for optimal sound. The tube audio stage uses six 6H30 tubes (three per channel), with one 6H30 and one 6550WE providing power regulation. A large vacuum fluorescent display on the front panel shows all functions associated with 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 cumulative tube usage time. High and low gain settings, along with six fixed impedance settings and one custom impedance setting, accommodate most moving or moving magnet boxes. Two single-ended inputs provide connection to two turntables. Two main outputs provide balanced and single-ended outputs. RS-232 and infrared inputs allow for additional control options. The Reference Phono 3 includes a full-featured remote control.

Electronic Specifications

Electronic Specifications

Frequency response:

±.2 dB RIAA, 10 Hz to 60 kHz; 3 dB points below 0.3 Hz and above 300 kHz.

distortion:

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

Gain:

At 1kHz BAL, selectable 51 dB (low) and 73 dB (high); at 1kHz SE, selectable 45 dB (low) and 67 dB (high). (MC and MM compatible).

Input impedance:

47k ohms and 100 pF SE. Optional loads: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms and custom.

Output impedance:

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

Output polarity:

Non-inverted.

RIAA EQ

(Optional) RIAA, Columbia and Decca.

Maximum input:

250 mV RMS at 1 kHz (680 mV RMS at 10 kHz) — Low gain.

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).

control:

Six buttons: Power, Menu, Options, Input, Input, Mute.

power supply:

Electronically regulated low and high voltage power supplies. Automatic 2-minute preheating/silent operation upon power failure. Line regulation better than 0.01%.

noise:

0.28 µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted. Short-circuit (low gain) input (below 1 mV, 71 dB at 1 kHz input). 0.082 µV equivalent input noise (high gain). (below 0.1 mV, 62 dB at 1 kHz input).

TUBE

(6)-6H30P , add one 6550WE and one 6H30P to the power supply.

Power requirements:

100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts. Standby: 2 watts.

SIZE

Width 19 inches (48 cm)

Height 7.8 inches (19.8 cm)

Depth 16.5 inches (41.9 cm)

The handle extends 1.6 inches (4 cm) forward from the front panel.

weight:

36.5 lbs (16.6 kg) net weight; 53 lbs (24 kg) shipping weight.