Who’s ready for a party? Audio Research is celebrating its 50th anniversary by launching the Reference Phono 3SE, a special edition update of the Ref Phono 3 Preamplifier.
Back to 2016
The REF Phono 3 was introduced in 2016 and has been recognized and awarded internationally for its incredible performance. And you know what? The knowledge gained in the creation of Audio Research’s Reference 160-Series Amplifier has now transitioned to both reference preamplifiers:
the REF6SE Line-Stage and REF Phono 3SE Phono-Stage. So now you know! Oh yeah, the first production units will ship in March 2020.
What to expect
Due to the extremely low-level nature of the signals involved in a phone stage, the component and wiring upgrades incorporated in the SE update combine to create a startling advancement in performance. Improvements you say? Exactly! The improvements include enhanced resolution at all levels, greater purity and focus, improved transient speed and snap, and increase in quality of dynamic shading.
And that’s not all! The sum of these improvements further breaks down the barrier between reproduced sound and the immediacy of a live event. Externally, the only difference is that the back panel will indicate the unit’s name, Reference Phono 3SE.
Updates from May 2020
The SE update will be available to current REF Phono 3 owners in May 2020, and can be installed through Audio Research in North America for $3,000 USD. Authorized service centers in the rest of the world will be able to install the SE update kits in their respective countries.
More details on the Audio Research REF Phono 3SE.
Visit the Audio Research website.
