Audio Research Reference 6SE Line Stage Preamplifier

Audio Research Reference 6SE Line Stage Preamplifier

Code: AR-R-6SE
  • £22,500.00
  • (FREE UK Delivery)
Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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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 by every major critic 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 dynamics. The Reference 6SE is the latest chapter in our story.

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 providing vacuum-tube regulation.

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The Reference 6SE replaces the Reference 6 and offers the highest performance ever available in a single-chassis preamplifier. Benefitting from the development that went into the Reference 160-series amplifiers, and the latest Reference 750SEL, the 6SE incorporates a myriad of new parts that have been judiciously incorporated into its design. The final 6SE would not have been possible without these revolutionary amplifiers.

Regardless of the recording, the improvement in sound is immediate and compelling. Effortless, dynamic, and dimensional. The speed and resolution merge with musical color and textures that are both accurate and captivating.

Technical Specifications:

  • FREQUENCY RESPONSE: +0-3dB, 0.4Hz 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 BAL 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: 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.  Push Buttons:  Power, 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) 6550WE and 6H30P in power supply.
  • 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

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 1pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is received. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge.  Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders:

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

Collect in Store or Home Install

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