Audio Research Reference 1

Commentary

A top-of-the-line level preamplifier developed as the culmination of the past.

All 8 inputs are equipped with balanced and unbalanced terminals.
Two main outputs and Rec Out are also compatible with balanced / unbalanced connections.

The circuit is a balanced circuit for all stages using eight highly reliable bi-triode 6922/E88CC.
In addition, the output impedance of the main output stage is reduced in a wide band, and the optimum matching condition can be obtained in both tube power amplifier and semiconductor power amplifier, and it demonstrates its power in bi-amplifier system.

The function control uses a microprocessor, precision relay and full digital control by toggle switch operation.
Mechanical Volume / Switch Segments, which tend to cause poor sound quality or unstable operation, are excluded from the signal path by this control method.

The control system and signal system are configured separately from the power supply and are designed to eliminate interference between circuits.
All stages of the signal system are equipped with high-speed, high-S/N regulators and constant current sources.

Equipped with an auto mute circuit for approximately 45 seconds when the power is turned on.

All operations can be performed with the attached remote control, except for changing between balance and unbalance.

Model Rating

Type	Control amplifier
Frequency characteristic	1.0 Hz to 200 kHz ± 0.5 dB 0.3 Hz to 400 kHz or more -3dB
Total harmonic distortion factor	0.015% or Less (4 v, Balanced Output)
Main out gain	Balance : 12.3 dB Unbalanced : 6.3 dB
Rec Out Gain	0dB
Input impedance	Balance : 220k Ω Unbalanced : 110k Ω
Input terminal	Route 8 : Tape, Tuner, Phono, CD, Video, Aux1/2/3
Output impedance	Balance : 400 Ω Unbalanced : 200 Ω
Output terminal	Route 3 : Main1/2, Tape
Minimum load	20k Ω, 2,000 pf
Max Input	Balance : 7.0 Vrms Unbalanced : 3.5 Vrms
Rated output	4 Vrms (100k Ω balanced load) (maximum balanced output 30 Vrms, THD0.5% or less, 1 kHz) 2 Vrms (unbalanced)
Signal-to-noise ratio	110 dB (IHF, Volume Min, Balanced)
Controls	Gain Balance Rec Select Input select Power ON/OFF (toggle switch) Balanced / unbalanced input switching (toggle switch) Normal / invert phase switching (toggle switch) Mute / Operate (toggle switch)
Vacuum tube used	6922/E88CCx8
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	90W maximum
External dimensions	Width 480x Height 178x Depth 432 mm (Including Handle)
Weight	13.6 kg (Body) 19.5 kg (when packed)
Attachment	Wireless Remote Control