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Reference Phono 3
Bringing Vinyl to Life
“…when listening to the Reference Phono 3, one gets an underlying sense of
agility. It reacts to the most subtle changes in timbre, tone, or dynamics without
the least concern, and to such an extent it makes many rivals seem slightly
ponderous...The term ‘reference’ still has meaning for Audio Research, and it
doesn’t use the term lightly. The Reference Phono 3 is a true reference point
in turntable replay, as it extracts a remarkable amount of information from
the cartridge, and yet plays it in a manner that invites you to listen to more
and more albums… the Audio Research Reference Phono3 is one of those rare
devices that gets closer to ‘best’ than most. Highly recommended.”
Alan Sircom, Hi-Fi+ 136, August 2016
For those seeking a world-class phono preamplifier, we suggest the REF Phono 3, which offers as much
performance as we can pack into a single chassis. Six high current 6H30 tubes in the gain stage makes for
wider dynamic swings and a greater ease in reproducing musical nuance. Numerous custom components,
including proprietary capacitors designed in-house, allow the REF Phono 3 to create a playback experience
similar to hearing master tapes. Musical realism and palpability are striking.
The REF Phono 3 is flexible and easy to use; gain is selectable, with 45dB or 67dB via single-ended outputs,
or 51dB and 73dB via the balanced output, allowing compatibility with most cartridges. Loading “on the fly
adds to the ease of use. This flexibility is available for two sets of inputs, along with equalization settings for
RIAA, Decca and Columbia LPs, assuring compatibility with your record collection. Rich harmonic texture,
soundstage spaciousness, and fine resolution of detail are hallmarks that emerge from a velvety black
background.
After nearly 50 years, our focus remains the advancement of the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Every
component is meticulously hand-crafted and personally auditioned before it leaves our factory. Our attention
to detail, customer service, and product support create unprecedented value. An Audio Research component
is more than a purchase, it’s an investment.
If you are a vinyl aficionado, we encourage you to stop by one of our dealers to experience the Reference
Phono 3 magic for yourself.
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Complete technical specifications can be found on our website.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Frequency response
±.2 dB of RIAA, 10 Hz to 60kHz; 3 dB points below
0.3Hz and above 300 kHz
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)
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)
Input impedance
47k Ohms and 100 pF SE. Selectable loads: 1000,
500, 200, 100, 50 Ohms, and Custom
Distortion
Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output
THD
Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output
Tube complement
6 - 6H30 dual triodes, plus 1 - 6550WE and
1 - 6H30 in power supply
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
32.5 lbs. (16.6 kg) Net; 49 lbs. (24 kg) Shipping
3900 Annapolis Lane North | Plymouth, MN 55447 USA | T: 763.577.9700 | www.audioresearch.com
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