Audio Research Reference Phono 3SE

The Reference Phono 3SE is a high-performance single-chassis phono stage that advances Audio Research’s long-standing expertise in analog playback. Drawing technology from the company’s latest Reference amplifiers and preamps, it delivers greater resolution, purity, transient speed, dynamics and realism. Its tube-based audio stage uses six 6H30 tubes, with additional tube regulation in the power supply for refined performance. Designed for serious vinyl enthusiasts it supports two independently configurable inputs for multiple turntables or tonearms, along with balanced and single-ended outputs. Additional features include a vacuum fluorescent display, tube hour meter, adjustable brightness and remote-friendly controls for flexible operation.

Technical Specifications: 

Frequency Response: ±.2 dB of RIAA, 10 Hz to 60kHz; 3 dB points below 0.3Hz and above 300 kHz

Distortion: Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output

Gain: Selectable 51 dB (Low) and 73 dB (High) at 1kHz BAL;
45 dB (Low) and 67 dB (High) at 1kHz SE. (MC and MM compatible).

Input Impedance: 47k Ohms and 100 pF SE. Selectable loads: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 Ohms, and Custom.

Output Impedance: 400 ohms Balanced, 200 ohms SE.
Recommended load 50k-100k Ohms and 100 pF.
(10k Ohms minimum and 2000 pF maximum).

Output Polarity: Non-inverting

Phono Equalization: (selectable) RIAA, Columbia, and Decca.

Maximum Input: 250 mV RMS at 1kHz (680 mV RMS at 10kHz) – Low Gain

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)

Controls: 6 Push Buttons:  Power, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute

Power Supplies: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 2 minute warm-up/brown-out mute.
Line regulation better than .01%.

Noise: 0.28 µV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted.
Shorted (Low Gain) input (71 dB below 1mV 1kHz input).
0.082 µV equivalent input noise (High Gain).
(62 dB below 0.1 mV 1kHz input).

Tube Complement: (6)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550WE
and 6H30P in power supply

Power Requirements: 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 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: 36.5 lbs. (16.6 kg) Net; 53 lbs. (24 kg) Shipping.