Dr Hi-Fi's Review
SoundStage Magazine
Review
(part 1)
SoundStage Magazine
Review
(part 2)
Stereophile Review
Hi-Fi Critic Review
Hi-Fi Choice Review
Hi-Fi News Review
What more can words say. Simply
one of the best pre-amplifiers in the world at any price. Never before
has a pre-amplifier sounded so neutral at any volume. Elevate your
system to the next level with a breakthrough in technical design and
experience what the audiophile world is raving about. No longer does
your system have to have a sweet spot in volume where every thing sounds
'right'. As the volume goes up or down, the music's character remains
consistent. This is the first pre-amplifier that eliminates this common
complaint so many face.
Attention to detail is displayed
everywhere with basic functions being controllable from the front panel.
Not a small unit by any means.
The REF3 continues in the tradition of all Reference products being the
very best Audio Research know how to make at any price.
Top off and a well designed circuit layout.
Above and below are the two new
ultra high band width power transformers designed especially for the
REF3. One for the audio circuit and one for the power circuit.
This is what make the REF3 sing.
Special proprietary coupling caps.
The tube component of the REF3's
audio circuit is 4 x 6H30's
All tube rectification in the
power supply.
1 x 6550C
1 x 6H30
All inputs are relay controlled for super
reliable switching.
Huge reserves of current from a
vast array of Nichicon caps.
The 'Reference' standard which all others are
measured.
Possibly the last line stage you
will ever need.
The usual feature list continues with 12V
switching and a new 20A I.E.C. receptacle.
Full array of Balanced + Single Ended inputs &
outputs.
One of the nicest displays I
have seen and sure to make the REF3 a future classic.
MultiCap City in the REF3.
All Factory accessories are included.
Original factory double box for easy shipping.
Specifications:
| Frequency response |
+0 -3dB 0.2Hz to
200kHz at rated output. (BALANCED, 200k ohms load.) |
| Distortion (THD) |
Less than .01% at 2V
RMS Balanced output. |
| Noise & hum |
2.7uV RMS residual IHF
weighted balanced noise output with volume at 1 (106dB below
2V RMS output.) |
| Gain |
Main output (SE or BAL
input): 11.6dB Balanced output, 5.6dB Single Ended output. |
| |
Tape output: 0dB.
(Processor input: 0dB Balanced.) |
| Input impedance |
120K ohms Balanced,
300K ohms SE, Inputs (7): CD, TUNER, VIDEO, PHONO, AUX1,
AUX2, PROCESSOR. (XLR and RCA connectors). |
| Output impedance |
600 ohms Balanced, 300
ohms SE main (2), 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum
capacitance. Outputs (3): 2 main, 1 tape (XLR and RCA
connectors). |
| Output polarity |
Non inverting |
| Maximum inputs |
20V RMS maximum
Balanced, (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). |
| Power supplies |
Electronically
regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 40 sec.
warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%. |
| Tube complement |
(4) 6H30P dual
triodes, plus (1 each) 6L6GC and 6H30P in power supply. |
| Power requirements |
100-135VAC 60Hz
(200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 125 watts. |
| Other |
Controls: Volume (104
steps), Select Input. Push Buttons: Power, Proc, BAL/SE,
Mute. |
| Dimensions |
19" (48 cm) W x 7"
(17.8 cm) H (standard panel) x 15.5" (39.4 cm) D. Handles
extend 11/2" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel. |
| Weight |
29.6 lbs. (13.5 kg)
Net; 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping. |
