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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The Reference 10 is a high-end, fully balanced tube line-stage preamplifier from Audio Research. It uses a dual-mono architecture with electronically regulated high- and low-voltage power supplies, an interactive front-panel touch interface, 104-step volume control, and separate balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. The unit provides seven inputs, including a processor input, along with two main outputs and one tape output. Its tube complement comprises eight 6H30P dual-triode tubes in the audio chassis, plus two 6550C and two 6H30P tubes in the power supply.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the Reference 10 Line Stage in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Reference 6SE's thd is 0.010% against the Reference 10 Line Stage's 0.006%. Both share signal-to-noise (109 dB), output voltage (2.0V RMS), and output impedance (600Ω).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The C600's signal-to-noise is 120 dB against the Reference 10 Line Stage's 109 dB, its thd 0.002% against 0.006%, its output voltage 1.5V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its weight 29 kg (64 lbs) against 13.25 kg (29 lbs).
The C-3900S's signal-to-noise is 113 dB against the Reference 10 Line Stage's 109 dB, its thd 0.005% against 0.006%, and its output impedance 50Ω against 600Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The Spheris Phono's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the Reference 10 Line Stage's 109 dB, its thd 0.100% against 0.006%, its output voltage 5.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its output impedance 300Ω against 600Ω.
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