Audio Research

Reference Phono 10

Name: Reference Phono 10
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-PHONO-10

Phono Stage

Series Reference

The Reference Phono 10 is the product that triumphantly validates the superiority of analog music playback.

At a glance

All specifications

Buttons: Front (2) Power, Mute.
Output Polarity: Non-inverting

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Overview

The Reference Phono 10 is the product that triumphantly validates the superiority of analog music playback.

From the first note on that treasured LP, its greatness is at once obvious and breathtaking—the Reference Phono 10 is a sonic blockbuster that establishes the new standard in analog music playback. Emphatically.

Through the REF Phono 10, great vinyl takes on an explosive, dynamic quality that is normally encountered only in a live performance, whether it is the crescendo of an orchestra or the delicacy of a solo piano. When called for, the stage is vast, holographic, and enveloping: Dimensionality is redefined, with an engaging, ‘reach out and touch it’ quality.

The REF Phono 10 resolves so much detail without grain, delighting listeners with new information extracted from those familiar grooves. The musical experience is so much more involving and persuasive—you do not want it to end. But these are mere words that pale in comparison to the actual listening experience, Music in High Definition®.

The Reference Phono 10 is a true dual-mono design with totally separate signal paths for each channel, from the dual-mono power supply forward. There are separate high- and low-voltage transformers for each channel, with sufficient energy storage for a serious amplifier, providing incredible dynamic headroom. There are twenty stages of electronic regulation, with separate vacuum-tube regulation for each channel.

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

All Audio Research products

Features

Separate amplification & power supply chassis
The audio circuits are fully discrete, pure Class-A, with zero feedback. The low gain audio section uses eight 6H30 tubes, four per channel. Rather than using a step-up transformer, special high-gain, extremely low-noise FETs are used in the high- gain section. This approach is costlier than using a transformer, but it is well worth the dramatic increase in performance. The design is fully balanced, with an input circuit that allows its RCA inputs to operate in a balanced configuration without requiring an inverter. There are two sets of inputs, independently configurable, including switchable Low and High gain, seven loading options, plus Custom which can be factory-set according to your needs. In addition to standard RIAA equalization, the Reference Phono 10 also includes early Columbia and Decca equalization curves. All controls can be accessed from your seat via remote control.

Specifications

Frequency Response: ± .2dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz; 3dB points below 0.3Hz and above 300kHz
Distortion: Less than .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz output
Gain: Selectable 51dB (Low), 74dB (High) at1kHz BAL; 45dB (Low), 68dB (High) at1kHz SE. (MC & MM compatible)
Buttons: Front (2) Power, Mute.
Input Impedance: 47K ohms and 100pF SE. Selectable loads 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms and Custom
Output Impedance: 200 ohms SE, 400 ohms balanced. Recommended load 50K-100K ohms and 100pF. (10K ohms minimum and 2000pF maximum).
Output Polarity: Non-inverting
Phono Equalization: (Selectable) RIAA, Columbia, Decca
Maximum Input: 250mV RMS at 1kHz (680 mV RMS at10kHz)
Rated Outputs: 0.5V RMS 10Hz to 20kHz, 100K ohm load (output capability is 80V RMS BAL output at 1/2% THD at1kHz, 40V SE)
Power Supplies: Electronically regulated low and high voltage supplies. Automatic 40 sec. warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
Noise: 0.22uV equivalent input noise, IHF weighted, shorted(Low Gain) input (73 dB below 1mV 1kHz input). 0.055uV equivalent input noise (High Gain) (65dB below 0.1mV 1kHz input).
Tube Complement: (8)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (2 each) 6550C and 6H30P in power supply
Power Requirements: 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 235 watts maximum. Standby 0.8 watts.
Dimensions: Audio Chassis: 22 lbs. (10 kg) Net; 34 lbs. (15.5 kg) Shipping. Power Supply Chassis: 35 lbs. (15.9 kg) Net; 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping.