Reference 20 Tube Linestage Preamplifier By Audio Research
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Product Summary:
The Reference 20 reference preamplifier delivers exceptional transparency, low-noise performance, precise dynamics, and stunning musical realism. Advanced engineering and premium construction combine to create an immersive, reference-level listening experience for discerning audiophiles.
Click To Read MoreTrial Period
90 Days (Exchange)
Countries Shipped
USA
Burn-In Time
100 Hours
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Audio Research, Preamplifiers, Tube Linestages
Reference 20 Tube Linestage Preamplifier By Audio Research
$48,000
The Reference 20 reference preamplifier delivers exceptional transparency, low-noise performance, precise dynamics, and stunning musical realism. Advanced engineering and premium construction combine to create an immersive, reference-level listening experience for discerning audiophiles.
Click To Read MoreProduct Description
The New Reference
The Reference 20 represents a remarkable achievement in high-end preamplifier design, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in line-stage performance. Engineered with an uncompromising focus on sonic purity, every aspect of its construction—from mechanical design and electrical architecture to premium material selection—has been meticulously refined to deliver exceptional transparency and musical realism.
Building on the renowned legacy of Audio Research's iconic preamplifiers, including the celebrated SP-3 and Reference 1, the Reference 20 sets a new benchmark for discerning audiophiles. Its extraordinary clarity, precision, and natural sound reproduction make it an outstanding choice for those seeking reference-level performance and an immersive listening experience.
New Architecture
The Reference 20 is built on an advanced platform designed to minimize distortion and deliver exceptional audio performance. Its innovative multi-layer, multi-metal chassis replaces the traditional stamped design, helping to effectively control unwanted resonance and vibration that can affect sound quality.
To further enhance performance, the critical audio circuits are mounted on specially engineered suspended, mass-loaded boards that isolate the signal path from mechanical interference. This sophisticated construction helps preserve delicate musical details, improve spatial imaging, and deliver outstanding clarity, focus, and realism. The result is a truly reference-level listening experience for audiophiles who demand the highest standards of performance.
Power. Harnessed.
The Reference 20 features a comprehensively redesigned power supply that contributes to exceptional performance, stability, and long-term reliability. Incorporating advanced regulation and the latest high-quality components, including next-generation film capacitors, it achieves an impressively low noise floor for outstanding musical clarity and detail.
This refined design allows the Reference 20 to reveal the most delicate nuances of a recording while maintaining remarkable control during demanding dynamic passages. Listeners can expect exceptional speed, precision, and articulation, complemented by a rich, natural tonal balance and effortless musical flow.
Despite its single-chassis design, the Reference 20 is engineered to deliver performance that surpasses its highly regarded two-chassis predecessor. It offers impressive authority, powerful dynamics, expansive soundstage reproduction, and an extraordinary ability to resolve even the finest details within a recording.
The result is a highly transparent and lifelike listening experience, combining exceptional resolution with natural musicality. For audiophiles seeking a true reference-level line-stage preamplifier, the Reference 20 stands out as an outstanding choice.
The Reference 20 delivers a truly exceptional listening experience, offering significant advancements in transparency, musical realism, and overall performance. Designed to reproduce recordings with remarkable depth, tonal accuracy, precise timing, and effortless dynamic expression, it allows listeners to experience music with extraordinary clarity and emotional impact.
Every performance is presented with outstanding realism, capturing not only the finest musical details but also the atmosphere, energy, and emotion of the original recording. The expansive soundstage, natural tonal balance, and exceptional resolution combine to create an immersive listening experience that satisfies even the most discerning audiophiles.
Widely regarded as a benchmark in high-end audio, the Reference 20 sets a new standard for reference-class preamplifier performance, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking uncompromising sound quality.
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Product Description
Lehmann Black Cube SE II – Precision Phono Stage for True Audiophiles
The Black Cube SE II builds on the acclaimed SE circuit, upgraded with superior sockets and an adjustable bass filter, allowing you to fine-tune your system to your personal listening preferences. Designed for maximum musical engagement, it delivers the sensation that your favorite recordings were crafted just for you, bringing instruments and vocals closer than ever.
Tailored for Every System
Compatible with nearly all MM and MC cartridges, the Black Cube SE II includes solder-free slots for custom impedance adjustments, plus an extra hardwired plug-in location for immediate flexibility. Optional matching resistors can be provided with your order at no extra cost, making it easy to optimize the phono stage for your system.
Audiophile-Grade Audio Circuitry
At its core, a high-precision passive RIAA filter network sits between two linear gain stages, built with surge-proof, narrow-tolerance polypropylene capacitors. This design preserves transients, dynamics, and timbres with exceptional clarity. Professional-grade input stages reduce noise while enhancing precision and power. Additional modules handle hum, high-frequency interference, and random voltage suppression, and the double-sided audio board ensures a low-interference signal path.
Dependable PWX Power Supply
The external PWX power supply features a custom toroidal transformer with static shielding, providing stable, safe, and powerful operation. Gold-plated Neutrik XLR connectors maintain secure connections, while shielded cables and mechanically damped aluminum housings minimize vibrations and interference.
Elegant Design
With a choice of silver, black, or chrome-plated front panels, the Black Cube SE II combines audiophile-grade performance with a refined aesthetic that looks as good in your HiFi rack as it sounds in your system.
Professional Endorsement
Known for its neutral, natural sound, Lehmann equipment is trusted by professional recording studios and music experts worldwide. The Black Cube SE II offers a high-fidelity listening experience that reveals every nuance in your favorite recordings.
Note: The sonic profile of Lehmann gear is perhaps the most neutral we can find. This brand is quite popular with our professional music/recording studio clients.
Reviews
AUDIO
“Upgraded to the SE version by the PWX, it was definitely poking the fire again like almost no other phono pre in its price range. Merciless heavy rock by Vanilla Fudge or massive bigband attacks by Count Basie were just about to blaze through the listening room. Pimped in such a hot manner, the Lehmann Black Cube SE II is state-of-the-art.”
https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EN-2020_01-AUDIO-Black_Cube_II.pdf
Hifi News
“This is a true audiophile phono stage and, partnered with equipment of equal quality, the results are remarkable. Indeed, the SE II is difficult to fault even compared to the competition in a much higher price bracket. The exceptionally low background noise allied to a fabulous rhythmic and tonal rendition makes it worthy of consideration for those seeking the most detail from their vinyl without having to make a hyperspace price jump.”
https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EN_review_Hifi_News_02_2010_SEII_screen.pdf
Hifi News
“To ?nd more depth and detail in music I know so well was a remarkable experience and I warmed to this little gem of a phono stage all over again.”
Specifications
The impressing technical details of the Black Cube SE II.
Sensitivity for output level 775 mV/ 0 dB (with activated high gain switch): MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz
Gain 1 kHz: MM: 46 dB; MC: 66 dB
Maximum input level 1 kHz: MM: 45 mV; MC: 4,5 mV
Signal to noise ratio (RMS unweighted): MM: 71 dB; MC: 63 dB
Gain: 36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB
Channel separation: > 80 dB at 10 kHz
Input impedance: 47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms, 1 x custom load, 1 x hardwire slot
Output impedance: 47 ohms
Input capacitance: 100 pF
Channel mismatch: typ. 0.5 dB
Bass filter: 16 settings between 7 Hz and app. 90 Hz
Power consumption: < 3 W
Outer dimensions W x D x H:
Audio section: 114 mm x 124 mm 50 mm
PWX power supply: 93 mm x 233 mm x 45 mm
Weight:
Audio section: 0.6 kg netto
PWX power supply: 1.0 kg netto
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