Audio Research Reference 6 Preamplifier

PREAMPLIFIER  ·  VALVE  ·  6 × 6H30 TUBES  ·  REVIEW

Almost since its inception, Audio Research has produced some of the finest components for music reproduction — and nowhere is this more true than with preamplifiers. In 1973, the SP3 was hailed as the best preamplifier available. That tradition has never stopped. The Reference Series, first introduced in 1995, has been the ultimate expression of Audio Research’s performance and musicality. The Reference 6 is the latest chapter.

Why the Reference 6 Exists

The Reference 6 is not a market-driven product. It is a solution to a need that arose after the creation of the Reference SE Series amplifiers. According to Warren Gehl, responsible for sonic development at Audio Research, the new Reference amplifiers offer a level of musical and dynamic capability only fully apparent when partnered with the flagship two-chassis Reference 10 preamplifier. Both Reference Series preamplifiers needed to provide the full benefit of that sonic landscape — and the Reference 6 was designed to deliver exactly that.

Increasing the tube count to six in the analog section — up from four in the Reference 5SE — and advancing the power supply design improved both macro- and microdynamics while lowering distortion across the board.

What’s New

The Reference 6 offers better bass control, relaxed purity, and more dimensionality than its predecessor. Further improvements include a more grainless presentation, greater transparency, more speed, and better continuity across the musical spectrum. Transformers, capacitors, and wiring are designs exclusive to Audio Research and the Reference 6.

A completely new chassis provides both a more beautiful aesthetic and greater structural rigidity, aiding in the dissipation of electrical and mechanical interference. Six premium 6H30 tubes now drive the audio circuit — increased from four — delivering a quieter background and increased dynamic range. The tube-regulated power supply, circuit boards, and power transformer are all new designs. A new volume control with finer step gradation completes the package.

Technical Specifications