Audio Research Ref 6SE Pre Amplifier

Name: Audio Research Ref 6SE Pre Amplifier
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: ARCREF6SE
Price: 47000.00 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

$47,000.00

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Product variants

Vacuum Tube Line-Stage Preamplifier

Almost since the inception of the brand, Audio Research has produced some of the finest components for music reproduction; this is especially true with regard to preamplifiers. In 1973, the SP3 was hailed as the best preamplifier available, and this tradition of excellence has continued ever since. The Reference Series from Audio Research was first introduced in 1995 and has been the ultimate representation of performance, musicality and power. The Reference 6 is the latest chapter of our story.

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Specifications

Frequency Response: +0-3dB, 0.5Hz to 200kHz at rated output (Balanced, 200k ohms load).
Distortion: Less than .01% at 2V RMS BAL output.
Gain: Main output: 12dB Balanced output, 6dB SE output. Record out: 0dB (Processor input: 0dB SE output).
Input Impedance: 120K ohms Balanced, 60K ohms SE. Inputs 4 balanced, 4 single-ended. Assignable processor passthrough.
Output Impedance: 600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms SE Main (2). 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance. Outputs (3): 2 main, 1 record out (XLR and RCA connectors).
Output Polarity: Non-inverting.
Maximum Input: 20V RMS BAL, 10V RMS SE.
Rated Outputs: 2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 30V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz).
Crosstalk: -80dB or better at 1kHz and 10 kHz.
Controls: Rotary encoders: Volume (103 steps), Select Input. Push Buttons: Power, Proc, Menu, Enter, Mono, Invert, Mute.
Power Supplies: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 45 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
Noise: 1.7uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise with volume at 1 (109dB below 2V RMS output.)
Tube Complement: (6)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550C and 6H30P in power supply.
Power Requirements: 200-270VAC 50/60Hz 130 watts. Standby: 2 watts.
Dimensions:
Width 480 mm
Height 198 mm)
Depth 419 mm
Handles extend 40 mm forward of the front panel.
Weight: 16.6 kg Net; 24 kg Shipping.

A unique sound that is more than the sum of its parts.

Stereophile

Vacuum Tube Line-Stage Preamplifier

The Reference 6 is not simply a market-driven product, but rather, a solution to a need which arose after the creation of the Reference SE Series amplifiers. According to Warren Gehl, who is responsible for sonic development of all Audio Research products, the new series of Reference amplifiers offer a level of musical and dynamic capability only made apparent when using the flagship, two-chassis Reference 10 preamplifier. Both preamplifiers of the Reference Series need the ability to provide the full benefit of this new sonic landscape. Increasing the tube count to six in the analog section, and advancements in the power supply improved both macro- and microdynamics and lowered distortion.

A completely new chassis has allowed not only a more beautiful aesthetic, but also provides more structural rigidity to assist in the dissipation of electrical and mechanical interferences. Six premium 6H30 tubes are now used in the audio circuit (increased from four tubes in the Reference 5SE) to provide an even quieter background and increased dynamic range. The tube-regulated power supply is also a new design for improved sonics. New circuit boards, circuit designs, and larger power transformer have been implemented to provide robustness and serviceability.

Who is this for?

The Audio Research Ref 6SE Pre-Amplifier is designed for serious audiophiles building a reference-level separates system who want a highly transparent yet naturally musical control centre. It suits listeners who value spaciousness, harmonic richness, and an engaging, “live” presentation, while still demanding exceptional detail and resolution.

This preamplifier is particularly well suited to high-end power amplifiers and revealing loudspeakers in medium to large dedicated listening rooms. Its valve-based design brings a sense of dimensionality and texture that works especially well with systems capable of high transparency, adding depth, scale, and a more organic flow to digital and analogue sources alike.

The Ref 6SE is ideal for listeners who enjoy long, immersive sessions and want a preamplifier that enhances musicality without softening detail. It excels in systems where refinement and emotional connection are just as important as accuracy and control.

At Soundline, the Ref 6SE is often paired with carefully selected solid-state and valve power amplifiers in demonstration systems, where its ability to open up the soundstage and add natural tonal richness becomes immediately apparent. For customers seeking a world-class preamplifier with a distinctly musical character, it remains one of the most respected reference designs available today.

The Audio Research 6SE line-stage preamplifier is a bouquet with a fragrance all its own, one that you may well find irresistibly seductive. If you want to hear all it has to offer, pay particular attention to context, and give it all the attention it deserves. Once you do, you may very well find yourself leaning back with a look of contentment on your face as you vow to return to it again and again.

It's one of the very best such products that I have heard. Compared to any solid-state design, it delivers a subtle shift in the overall sonic palette, changing the presentation slightly to one that accentuated different instruments to my reference solid-state design. It loves instruments with fast transient attack, imbuing them with remarkably positive characteristics.