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Reference 7

Name: Reference 7
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-7

Preamplifier

Series Reference

The Reference 7 was created to bring the full measure of Audio Research’s latest work and advancement to a broader expression of the reference preamplifier.

At a glance

All specifications

Output Polarity: Non-inverting
Tube Complement: (4)-6H30P dual triodes

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Overview

The Reference 7 was created to bring the full measure of Audio Research’s latest work and advancement to a broader expression of the reference preamplifier.

Rather than adapting an existing design, it is derived directly from the same ground-up development that produced the Reference 20. The objective was clear: to carry forward the essential advances of this new platform while delivering a product of exceptional focus, purity, and musical truth.

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

Shared Foundations
Central to the Reference 7 is the same mechanical architecture that defines the Reference 20. A multi-metal, layered chassis manages resonance through controlled energy distribution, while custom suspended, mass-loaded circuit boards protect the integrity of the signal path. These are core elements of the design, carried forward to preserve the transparency achieved in the flagship platform. Second only to the REF20, the result is a level of clarity and spatial resolution sheer presence that meaningfully advances the Reference 7 even beyond the prior flagship model.
Precision and Control
The power supply of the Reference 7 is centered on lowering the noise floor and enhancing long-term stability. Transitioning to solid-state regulation enables exceptionally low noise and increased reliability while key components, including reference-grade output coupling capacitors derived from the flagship design, ensure that signal purity is maintained throughout. This careful balance of technologies allows the Reference 7 to deliver extraordinary resolution without sacrificing musical coherence or ease. Rigorous listening and tuning were performed to ensure that REF7 not only resolves detail but renders character that is still supple and textured beyond its predecessor when called for. In short, it must play the music — not just audit the recording. No tradeoffs accepted.
A New Standard
The Reference 7 is not a refinement of what came before - it is a clear step forward. By applying the lessons and innovations of an entirely new development platform, it surpasses previous reference designs no matter the demands. It stands as a complete and uncompromised realization of modern Audio Research performance.

Specifications

Frequency Response: 13.6Hz to 24kHz at -1dB, 84.5kHz at -3dB
THD+Noise: 0.003% Balanced, 0.02% Single Ended
Gain - Main output: 12dB Balanced output, 6dB 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: (4)-6H30P dual triodes
Power Requirements: 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 78 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: 59.5 lbs. (27 kg) Net; 75 lbs. (34 kg) Shipping.