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The Audio Research Corporation Reference 5SE is a premium stereo tube preamplifier introduced in late 2011 as a successor to the Reference 5. It incorporates advancements from Audio Research's limited-edition Anniversary Reference preamplifier, including a redesigned front panel with round metal buttons and a significantly enhanced power supply with nearly double the energy storage capacitors. The Reference 5SE offers six sets of balanced and unbalanced inputs, including CD, tuner, video, phono, two auxiliary inputs, and a processor input that bypasses volume control for home theater integration. It provides three sets of balanced and unbalanced outputs, with a fully balanced signal path recommended by the manufacturer. The unit features a large front-panel display showing volume level, input selection, and status indicators, all controllable via a metal remote control. The Reference 5SE is known for its extremely low noise, wide frequency response, and very low distortion, delivering a highly musical and detailed sound signature. It weighs approximately 30.4 lbs and measures 19" W x 7" H x 15.5" D. The preamplifier requires a 600-hour break-in period for optimal sonic performance. It is considered a benchmark in high-end tube preamplification and can be upgraded from the original Reference 5 for a fee. The Reference 5SE has been succeeded by the Reference 6, indicating it is no longer in current production.
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 5SE 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 LS17SE's power @ 8ω is 130W against the Reference 5SE's 2W. Both share signal-to-noise (109 dB), thd (0.010%), and output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The Reference 6's thd is 0.500% against the Reference 5SE's 0.010% and its input sensitivity 1.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share power @ 8ω (2W) and output voltage (2.0V RMS).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The ATE-2001's signal-to-noise is 78 dB against the Reference 5SE's 109 dB, its thd 0.080% against 0.010%, and its output impedance 2000Ω against 600Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The Symmetrical's signal-to-noise is 95 dB against the Reference 5SE's 109 dB, its thd 0.030% against 0.010%, its output voltage 1.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its output impedance 70Ω against 600Ω.
REF 5
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