Reference Phono 3SE Phono Preamplifier By Audio Research

The Reference Phono 3SE sets a high standard for single-chassis phono stage performance, delivering exceptional detail, musicality, and analog precision for serious vinyl enthusiasts.

Introduced by Audio Research, a brand with roots dating back to 1970, this phono stage reflects decades of expertise in analog audio design. Since its founding, Audio Research has continuously developed premium phono playback solutions, both as integrated preamplifier stages and dedicated standalone components, helping audiophiles experience vinyl recordings with remarkable clarity and depth.

The Reference Phono 3SE benefits from the advanced engineering developed for Audio Research’s acclaimed Reference-series amplifiers, delivering a significant step forward in analog playback performance.

Built with premium-grade components and refined circuit design, the Reference Phono 3SE offers outstanding sonic accuracy, musical realism, and exceptional detail retrieval. Listeners can expect enhanced resolution across the entire frequency range, greater clarity and focus, faster transient response, and more natural dynamic expression.

These refinements combine to create an immersive vinyl listening experience that brings recordings closer to the energy, presence, and emotion of a live performance.

The Reference Phono 3SE features a sophisticated vacuum-tube audio design utilizing six 6H30 tubes — three dedicated to each channel — along with additional tube-based power supply regulation using a 6H30 and 6550 tube for enhanced stability and performance.

Its front panel incorporates a large vacuum fluorescent display that clearly presents operating functions and selected input information, while intuitive onboard controls allow convenient access to power, mute, input selection, and menu settings.

Designed for flexibility in high-end vinyl systems, the unit offers dual inputs for connecting two turntables or tonearms, each with independently configurable settings. Additional conveniences include adjustable display brightness, an IR input, a tube hour meter, and both balanced and single-ended outputs for seamless integration into a wide range of audio setups.

HiFi News
“Forget that I have been using ARC gear for decades as my reference. Or that I’m a displaced Yank. Or that I authored ARC’s definitive history book. The Reference Phono 3SE is without question one of the most precise, quiet, open and dynamic phono stages I have ever used – even with an eccentric London Gold. Let’s put it this way: if I wasn’t a pensioner on the precipice, I’d not hesitate to buy the damned thing. “

https://www.hifinews.com/content/audio-research-ref-phono-3se-phono-preamplifier

Positive Feedback
“The Ref 3 phono is without a doubt the finest sounding phono preamplifier I have ever heard in my system. The Ref 3 for me represents a teleportation device that takes you back to the time and place of the recordings and brings them to life in front of your eyes and ears. It is a “you are there” perspective vice a “they are here” perspective. All instruments played through the Ref 3 assuming they were well recorded are realistically scaled and have an uncanny realism and purity to the sound. “

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/audio-research-reference-phono-3/

• 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.