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Audio Research Reference 6SE Preamplifier
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Audio Research Reference 6SE Preamplifier
In 1973, the SP3 was hailed by every major critic as the best preamplifier available, and that benchmark has driven us ever since. The Reference Series from Audio Research was first introduced in 1995 and has been the ultimate expression of performance, musicality and dynamics.
Reference preamps have awakened countless listeners to the irreplaceable contribution of a great preamp to a system’s final performance. The Reference 6SE is the latest chapter in our story.
The Reference 6SE delivers the highest performance ever available in a single-chassis preamplifier. Benefitting from research that went into the Reference 160-series amplifiers, and the Reference 750SEL amplifier, the 6SE incorporates a myriad of new components that have been judiciously incorporated into its design.
With a single gain stage, the 6SE is a fully-balanced, Class-A design with zero feedback. In addition to six long-life 6H30 tubes in the gain stage, the enormous and highly-regulated power supply has another 6H30 with a 6550, typically found as an output tube in a power amplifier, providing vacuum-tube regulation.
The 6SE stands on the shoulders of prior Reference preamplifiers and the latest ARC power amplifiers from which innovations were taken. As such, it forms the foundational circuit for other pre-amplification products such as the Reference Phono 3SE.
Regardless of the recording, in stepping up into a Reference preamplifier, the sonic gains are immediate and compelling. Effortless, dynamic, and dimensional. The speed and resolution merge with musical color and textures that are both accurate and captivating.
Low bass extension and heft from the 6SE reveal just how much bottom end reach is left to be desired in lesser designs. New 6SE owners revel in the potential that can now be tapped in their existing power amplifier’s and loudspeaker’s performance.
Hear for yourself why so many listeners consider the Reference 6SE to be the indispensable core of a world-class performance audio system.
MSRP: $22,500
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response | +0-3dB, 0.4Hz to 200kHz at rated output |
Distortion | Less than .01% at 2V RMS BAL output |
Gain | Main output: 12dB Balanced output, 6dB SE output |
Input Impedance | 120K ohms Balanced, 60K ohms SE |
Output Impedance | 600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms SE Main (2) |
Output Polarity | Non-inverting |
Maximum Input | 18V RMS BAL, 9V RMS SE |
Rated Outputs | 2V RMS (1V RMS SE) into 200K ohm balanced load (maximum balanced output capability is 70V RMS at less than 0.5% THD at 1kHz) |
Crosstalk | -88dB or better at 1kHz and 10 kHz |
Controls | Rotary encoders: Volume (103 steps), Select Input. |
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) 6550WE |
Power Requirements | 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts. Standby: 2 watts. |
Dimensions | Width: 19” (48 cm) Height: 7.8” (19.8 cm) Depth: 16.5” (41.9 cm) Handles extend 1.6” (4 cm) forward of the front panel. Weight: 37.5 lbs. (17 kg) Net; 49 lbs. (22.3 kg) Shipping |