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The Audio Research Reference 6SE is an upgraded version of the Reference 6 preamplifier, incorporating advancements from ARC's latest power amplifiers. It uses a single gain stage with six long-life 6H30P dual triode tubes, plus a 6550WE and additional 6H30P for the power supply regulation. Key improvements over the original include 18 upgraded proprietary capacitors, enhanced wiring, and refined components for superior sonics, dynamics, and lower distortion. It offers effortless, dynamic sound with high resolution, musical color, and textures. The preamp supports 4 balanced and 4 single-ended inputs, with 2 main balanced/SE outputs and 1 record out. Controls include rotary encoders for volume (103 steps) and input select, plus buttons for power, menu, mono, invert, and mute. It features automatic 45-second warm-up mute and excellent line regulation.
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
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
Components that show up alongside the Reference 6SE 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 10 Line Stage's thd is 0.006% against the Reference 6SE's 0.010%. 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 LS28SE's signal-to-noise is 122 dB against the Reference 6SE's 109 dB and its thd 0.007% against 0.010%. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and output impedance (600Ω).
The Reference Anniversary's thd is 0.006% against the Reference 6SE's 0.010% and its input impedance 120000Ω against 120Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and output impedance (600Ω).
The Spheris Phono's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the Reference 6SE's 109 dB, its thd 0.100% against 0.010%, its output voltage 5.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS, and its output impedance 300Ω against 600Ω.
Conrad Johnson ART MkII
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