BRAND: Audio Research

SERIES: Reference 10 Line Stage Preamplifier
TYPE: Preamplifier

Creating a New Benchmark
“Saying that an Audio Research preamp sounds ‘big and airy’ is an understatement. The soundstage seems to spread in all directions at once, the musicians and singers sounding more life-size and vivid. This is often beyond what even very good tubed competition achieves, and it has been the defining characteristic of Audio Research preamps (and the company’s amps, phono stages and CD players as well).” The Audio Beat, January 2015 Yearbook

OVERVIEW

At Audio Research, design is never static. No matter how far we push the boundaries of “high definition” sound reproduction, our team of engineers constantly strives to improve. The REF10 clearly advances the cutting edge of high definition music reproduction. Two separate chassis are necessary for ultimate performance. And, after the 20A power inlet, everything is dual-mono with separate power supplies and audio sections for each channel. The REF10 is modern and elegant; straightforward and intuitive. The touch-screen allows easy control. Input names can be relabeled, input gain offset can be adjusted independently for each input as well as tube hours meter, and display intensity. You can even change the foreground and background colors of the display, with ten color options for each. Our team has combined resolution, dynamics and tonal accuracy in a way that puts you within intimate reach of your favorite performers, without compromise. It’s difficult to describe the sonic attributes of the REF10 because the descriptions are oft repeated to the point of cliché. The REF10 offers a further level of resolution, refinement and authority that vividly improves the musical experience in every way. You must hear the REF10 to understand how much more profound listening to your favorite recordings can be, After nearly 50 years, our focus remains the advancement of the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Every component is meticulously hand-crafted and personally auditioned before it leaves our factory. Our attention to detail, customer service, and product support create unprecedented value. An Audio Research component is more than a purchase, it’s an investment. Visit your Audio Research dealer with recordings you are intimately familiar with and be prepared to have your musical boundaries redefined. Gloriously.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency response
+0 -3dB 0.1Hz to 200kHz at rated output. (BALANCED, 200k ohms load)

THD
Less than .006% at 2V RMS Balanced output

Gain
Main output (SE or BAL input): 12dB Balanced output, 6dB Single Ended output

Noise
1.7uV RMS residual IHF weighted balanced equivalent input noise with volume at 1 (109dB below 2V RMS output.)

Tube complement
8 – 6H30 dual triodes, plus 2 – 6550WE and 2 – 6H30 in power supply

Dimensions
Width: 19” (48 cm)
Height: 7” (17.8 cm) (standard rack panel)
Depth: 15.5” (39.4 cm)
Handles extend 1.5” (3.8 cm) forward of the front panels

Weight
Audio Chassis: 23.6 lbs. (10.7 kg) Net; 33.3 lbs. (15.1 kg) Shipping.
Power Supply Chassis: 37.65 lbs. (17.07 kg)
Net; 47.35 lbs. (21.48 kg) Shipping

 

OTHER PRODUCTS: PRODUCTS / PREAMPLIFIERS