AUDIO RESEARCH REFERENCE 3

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows minor signs of wear. Includes remote control, original packaging not included.

The Audio Research Reference 3 is a fully balanced tube line preamplifier designed to deliver reference-level performance in high-end audio. Completely redesigned compared to previous models, it features a class-A audio circuit without global feedback and a hybrid tube power supply, resulting in an exceptionally pure, dynamic, and silent sound.

The Reference 3 stands out for its functional simplicity and robust construction. The brushed aluminum front panel houses a large green vacuum-fluorescent display, easily readable even in bright environments, showing volume, selected input, and channel balance. The display also includes a tube operating hours counter, useful for maintenance and scheduled replacement. Controls are minimal: one knob for input selection, one for volume, and a row of buttons for main operational functions. Six brightness levels allow users to adjust the display to their preference.

Internally, the Reference 3 uses a four 6H30 tube topology in the audio stage, supported by FETs as constant-current sources. The power supply employs a 6L6GC and a 6H30P tube, providing 50% more energy reserve than the Reference 2. This configuration ensures extended bandwidth up to 200 kHz, 12 dB lower noise, and 40% lower distortion. Circuit boards are mounted vertically to optimize signal path and reduce interference, while transformers are separated to minimize vibrations and magnetic fields.

Gain is 12 dB in balanced mode and 6 dB in single-ended mode, the difference due to the fully balanced circuit design. Volume control is managed by four microprocessor-controlled digital attenuators, one for each phase of the two channels, with 104 adjustment steps and perfect channel matching. This ensures long-term precision and stability, as well as the ability to handle input signals up to 20 volts balanced.

The rear panel features six selectable inputs, usable in balanced or single-ended mode, and dual outputs for connection to mono or stereo amplifiers. Power is supplied through a 20-amp IEC connector, and the included cable provides high-quality performance, eliminating the need for aftermarket replacement.

The Reference 3 can be controlled via remote, allowing adjustment of essential functions such as volume, balance, direct input selection, phase inversion, and stereo/mono mode. The interface is intuitive and fluid, designed for daily use in high-end systems.

Technical specifications:

• Type: tube line preamplifier with remote control, full balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs, processor loop
• Tube configuration: four 6H30P dual triodes; one 6550C and one 6H30P for power-supply regulation
• Maximum voltage gain: main output (balanced or single-ended input) 11.6 dB; balanced output 5.6 dB; single-ended output 5.6 dB
• Frequency response: 0.2 Hz – 200 kHz, +0/–3 dB at rated output (balanced, 200k ohm load)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.01% at 2V RMS balanced output
• Input impedance: 120k ohms balanced; 60k ohms single-ended
• Output impedance: 600 ohms balanced; 300 ohms single-ended (main outputs x2); minimum load 20k ohms; maximum capacitance 2000 pF
• Output polarity: non-inverting
• Maximum output: 20V RMS balanced; 10V RMS single-ended
• Rated output: 2V RMS (1V RMS single-ended) into 200k ohm balanced load; maximum output 30V RMS at 0.5% THD at 1 kHz
• Noise: 2.7 µV RMS residual IHF-weighted balanced output at volume level 1 (106 dB below 2V RMS)
• Dimensions: 485 mm (W) × 178 mm (H) × 394 mm (D); handles extend 38 mm forward from front panel
• Weight: 13.5 kg net