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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The Audio Research Reference Phono 10 is a fully balanced, pure Class A tube phono preamplifier with a true dual-mono layout. The left and right channels have separate signal paths and power supplies, including dedicated high- and low-voltage transformers, vacuum-tube regulation, and dual umbilical connections between the power supply and audio chassis. Its low-gain section uses eight 6H30 tubes, while high gain is provided by low-noise FET circuitry rather than a step-up transformer. The unit provides two inputs with selectable low or high gain, loading options of 47kΩ, 1kΩ, 500Ω, 200Ω, 100Ω, 50Ω, and custom loading, plus selectable RIAA, early Columbia, and Decca equalization curves. RCA inputs can be used in the balanced signal path without an inverter. Published specifications include 51dB/74dB balanced gain, 45dB/68dB single-ended gain, 200Ω single-ended and 400Ω balanced output impedance, and a frequency response of ±0.2dB from 10Hz to 60kHz relative to RIAA.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Phono stage specifications
Input and output connections
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 Phono 10 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 Master Line Stage's mc gain is 64 dB against the Reference Phono 10's 74 dB, its mm gain 44 dB against 51 dB, its output impedance 150Ω against 200Ω, and its input impedance 100000Ω against 47000Ω.
The CL1000's mc gain is 73 dB against the Reference Phono 10's 74 dB, its mm gain 54 dB against 51 dB, its output impedance 1000Ω against 200Ω, and its input impedance 1000Ω against 47000Ω.
The Balance Reference's mm gain is 46 dB against the Reference Phono 10's 51 dB, its mc gain 66 dB against 74 dB, its output impedance 150Ω against 200Ω, and its input impedance 50Ω against 47000Ω.
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The Orpheus MK3S's mm gain is 44 dB against the Reference Phono 10's 51 dB and its mc gain 62 dB against 74 dB. Both share input impedance (47000Ω).
Reference Phono 2 SE
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