Audio Research

Reference 20

Name: Reference 20
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-20

Preamplifier

Series Reference

The Reference 20 is the culmination of a singular objective: to advance beyond the established limits of preamplifier architecture and redefine what is possible in line-stage performance.

At a glance

All specifications

Output Polarity: Non-inverting

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Overview

The Reference 20 is the culmination of a singular objective: to advance beyond the established limits of preamplifier architecture and redefine what is possible in line-stage performance.

Developed without constraint, it represents a complete rethinking of the line-stage preamplifier. Every critical element—mechanical, electrical, and material—has been reconsidered in pursuit of one outcome: absolute sonic transparency. The result, in keeping with Audio Research tradition, is consistent with achievements of the SP-3 and Reference 1 before it: a new reference, not only for the Audio Research, but for the category itself.

About Audio Research

When Audio Research was founded in 1970 by Bill Johnson, he had one goal in mind: to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Today, Audio Research remains true to its roots as a performance-oriented company driven by proven philosophies and superior design. Many industry observers consider Audio Research one of the true originators of the concept of “high-end” audio, offering an unsurpassed level of performance that can easily be heard and appreciated by all. Over its first half-century, Audio Research has grown from a small operation in the back of Bill’s shop to a modern, self-contained factory with dedicated R&D, testing, manufacturing, quality control, and listening facilities. Manufacturing is done by hand in-house, from the ground up, in our Minnesota facility. (Contact us for a tour if you are near Minneapolis, it’s fascinating to meet the people and see the process in action.) 330M Monoblocks Launched May 2024

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Features

New Architecture
At the heart of the Reference 20 is an entirely new platform engineered to eliminate sources of distortion previously accepted as unavoidable. The traditional stamped chassis has been replaced with a sophisticated multi-metal, layered construction designed to disperse and control resonant energy. Critical circuits are mounted on custom suspended, mass-loaded boards that further isolate the signal path from mechanical influence. This structural approach is not cosmetic but rather foundational. By addressing resonance at every level, the Reference 20 preserves low-level information and spatial detail with unprecedented focus and articulation.
Power. Harnessed.
The power supply of the Reference 20 has been comprehensively redesigned to elevate both performance and reliability. Through advanced regulation and the application of the latest component technologies—including next-generation film capacitors—noise on the regulated rails has been reduced by an order of magnitude. This dramatic lowering of the noise floor allows the preamplifier to resolve the finest musical nuances while maintaining composure during dynamic extremes. Articulation and speed of dynamic onset are state of the art with no sacrifice of body or musical flow. Occupying a single chassis, the REF20 excels over its formidable two-chassis predecessor in all respects, even with performance attributes usually associated with amplifiers: authority, impact, and resolving the extreme outer envelope of the recording space. The result is a presentation that is at once more revealing and more natural—effortless, unforced, and profoundly transparent. The cumulative result of these advances is not incremental. It is transformational. The Reference 20 reveals music with a level of dimensionality, tonal integrity, timing coherence, and dynamic expression that extends beyond the boundaries of previous reference designs. It conveys not only the structure of a recording, but the intent and presence of the performance itself. In doing so, it establishes the new benchmark for what a reference preamplifier can achieve.

Specifications

Frequency Response: 1.5Hz to 24kHz at -1dB, 120kHz at -3dB
THD+Noise: 0.07% Balanced, 0.03% Single Ended
Gain - Main output: 15dB Balanced output, 9dB Single Ended output
Input Impedance: 50K ohms Balanced, 25K ohms Single Ended
Output Impedance: 600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms Single Ended Main Out 200 ohms Balanced, 100 ohms Single Ended Sub Out
Output Polarity: Non-inverting
Tube Complement: (6)-6H30P dual triodes Audio, (1) 6550 and (1) 6H30 Power supply
Power Requirements: 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 147 watts maximum. Standby: 4.3 watts.
Dimensions: Width 19” (48.26 cm) Height 8 1/8” (20.64 cm) Depth 19 1/16” (48.42 cm) including handles and rear bumpers
Weight: 62.5 lbs. (28.35 kg) Net; 78 lbs. (35.38 kg) Shipping.