SP11 MkII vs Reference Two
The Reference Two matches the SP11 MkII on thd (0.005%), output voltage (2.0V RMS), input impedance (20000Ω), and class (Tube).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
The Audio Research SP11 MKII is a highly regarded hybrid tube preamplifier released in the late 1980s, known for its fusion of triode tubes, JFETs, and MOSFETs in each active stage. It uses six 6DJ8/ECC88 tubes and offers a warm yet precise sound signature, requiring a warm-up period of 15 to 30 minutes to reach optimal performance. The preamp includes multiple inputs (phono, tuner, CD, video, spare) with selectable impedance settings for phono cartridges, and features extensive control options such as tape monitoring, mute, bypass, polarity inversion, and subsonic filtering. It has a dual chassis design with a separate power supply and provides high gain and low distortion, making it a timeless piece for audiophiles seeking both musicality and detail. The unit is typically found in excellent cosmetic and operational condition, often including Telefunken E88CC tubes and original power umbilical.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Reference Two matches the SP11 MkII on thd (0.005%), output voltage (2.0V RMS), input impedance (20000Ω), and class (Tube).
The LS9's width is 480 mm against the SP11 MkII's 482.6 mm and its depth 280 mm against 260.35 mm. Both share thd (0.005%) and output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The ATC-2's thd is 0.010% against the SP11 MkII's 0.005% and its output impedance 200Ω against 250Ω. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS) and class (Tube).
The Plasma R Dual Mono Line Stage Tube's thd is 0.030% against the SP11 MkII's 0.005%, its output impedance 300Ω against 250Ω, and its output voltage 1.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share input impedance (20000Ω).
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