AUDIO RESEARCH LS26

Second-hand. In excellent conditions. Free from visible signs of wear. Comes with original packaging, remote control, manual and feet.

The Audio Research LS26 is a preamplifier that fully embodies the uncompromising philosophy of the renowned American brand, a benchmark in high-fidelity audio since 1970. Born from continuous evolution and the experience gained from iconic models such as the Reference 3, the LS26 sits near the top of the Audio Research lineup, offering many of its most advanced technologies in a more accessible format.

The design is unmistakably "Audio Research": minimalist yet elegant, with an aluminum front panel, integrated rack handles, and a green vacuum fluorescent display that is both highly legible and information-rich. It displays volume (adjustable from 0 to 103 in non-linear steps), balance, selected input, gain, phase polarity, mono/stereo mode, and even a tube usage hour counter.

At the heart of the LS26 lies a refined hybrid circuit: JFET input stage and a vacuum tube gain stage featuring two 6H30 dual triodes, the same used in the Reference series. The power supply is fully solid-state, ensuring stability and low noise. The circuitry is fully balanced, with both XLR and RCA inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of balanced and unbalanced sources and amplifiers.

From a technical perspective, the LS26 excels in every parameter: it boasts an exceptionally low noise level of just 1.3 microvolts (100 dB below a 2 V output), and a total harmonic distortion plus noise of only 0.01% with a 2 V balanced output. Its frequency response is impressively wide: 0.2 Hz to 160 kHz (+/- 3 dB), with ruler-flat linearity across the audio band.

The remote control, though simple and not backlit, allows full operation of the unit, including balance, phase, display brightness (adjustable in 8 levels), and direct input selection. Volume control is smooth and precise, and any adjustment wakes up the display temporarily, even when it is turned off to reduce interference.

The LS26 delivers a truly high-end listening experience. The sound is open, dynamic, and extraordinarily detailed, yet never fatiguing. It strikes a perfect balance between analytical precision and the warm, engaging musicality that defines the best tube designs. It highlights the qualities of every connected component and brings out the emotional depth in every musical nuance, making each listening session a truly immersive experience.

Designed for demanding audiophiles, the LS26 is a preamplifier built to last—both in terms of construction quality and performance.

Technical specifications:

• Frequency response: +0/-3 dB, from 0.2 Hz to 160 kHz at rated output (balanced, 200 kΩ load)
• Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.01% at 2 V RMS balanced output
• Gain: main output selectable per input: 24 dB, 18 dB, 12 dB balanced; 18 dB, 12 dB, 6 dB unbalanced; record output: 0 dB (processor input: 0 dB balanced)
• Input impedance: 120 kΩ balanced, 60 kΩ unbalanced
• Inputs (8): Tuner, Phono, CD, Video, Aux 1, Aux 2, Monitor, Processor (XLR and RCA connectors)
• Output impedance: 700 Ω balanced, 350 Ω unbalanced; minimum load 20 kΩ, maximum capacitance 2000 pF; outputs (3): 2 main, 1 record (XLR and RCA connectors)
• Output polarity: non-inverting
• Maximum input: low gain: 48 V RMS balanced, 24 V RMS unbalanced; medium gain: 24 V RMS balanced, 12 V RMS unbalanced; high gain: 12 V RMS balanced, 6 V RMS unbalanced
• Rated output: 2 V RMS from 1 Hz to 100 kHz into 200 kΩ balanced load (maximum output capability: 15 V RMS at <0.5% THD at 1 kHz)
• Controls: rotary volume selector (104 steps), rotary input selector; buttons: power, mono, BAL/SE, processor, monitor, mute; remote buttons: display, balance L/R, hours, invert, gain
• Power supply: electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies; 50-second warm-up with automatic mute; line regulation better than 0.01%
• Noise: 1.3 µV RMS IHF weighted residual, balanced equivalent input noise with volume at 1 (100 dB below 2 V RMS output)
• Tubes: 2x 6H30P dual triodes (hybrid JFET/tube audio circuit, solid-state power supply)
• Power requirements: 105–130 VAC 60 Hz / 210–260 VAC 50/60 Hz, max 50 W
• Dimensions: 48 cm (W) × 13.4 cm (H) × 30.5 cm (D); handles extend 3.8 cm from the front panel
• Weight: 7.5 kg