Audio Research
Audio Research LS28SE Preamplifier
Best high-end preamplifier for audiophiles seeking pure, transparent musical engagement.
The Audio Research LS28SE Preamplifier offers a realistic and emotional connection to your music, building on the legacy of their Reference power amplifiers. This unit incorporates significant component upgrades for enhanced clarity, resolution, and transient speed. It presents a nearly neutral and transparent sound, actively elevating your stereo system's performance with improved openness and control. Its exceptionally low inaudible noise and fully balanced differential design contribute to an inspiring listening experience for audiophiles seeking deep musical engagement.
$11000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
19
/ 272
#19 in Signal Processors
Price vs Category Average
-25%
Below average
THD+Noise
0.0072
/ Less than % at V RMS BAL output
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking natural, transparent sound with classic tube warmth
- System builders requiring versatile connectivity for complex high-end setups
- Investors prioritizing long-term reliability and strong resale value
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited rack space or poor ventilation
- Budget-conscious listeners looking for entry-level or mid-range gear
- Users preferring maintenance-free solid-state equipment
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
Delivers an incredibly neutral path that preserves the original recording's integrity.
Noise Floor
Virtually silent operation allows the finest musical details to emerge clearly.
Transient Response
Lightning-fast speed captures the snap and impact of complex musical passages.
Build Quality
Refined construction standards ensure long-term reliability and a premium tactile feel.
Dynamic Range
Effortlessly handles massive shifts from whisper-quiet passages to explosive crescendos.
System Integration
Fully balanced design ensures seamless compatibility with high-end audio components.
Key Specs
THD+Noise
Less than 0.007% at 2V RMS BAL output
Noise
Less than -100dBv at max volume
Dynamic Range
122dB
Gain
18.5dB balanced output
Input Impedance
100K ohms Balanced
Output Impedance
600 ohms Balanced
Frequency Response
+0-3dB, 0.4Hz to 200kHz
Dimensions (WxHxD)
19" x 6.5" x 13.7"
Features
- Fully balanced differential design
- Exceptional clarity and resolution
- Relaxed purity and natural balance
- Inspires extended listening sessions
- Low inaudible noise levels
- Transparent and neutral sound signature
- Actively enhances stereo system performance
- Beautiful and refined construction
What customers say
Owners consistently praise the Audio Research LS28SE Preamplifier for its exceptional musicality, blending transparency and detail with classic tube warmth. Users report significant improvements, noting enhanced dynamics and a vast soundstage. The presentation is effortless, allowing music to breathe without sacrificing speed or accuracy. Build quality is universally lauded, reflecting its premium status and ensuring reliable operation. Serious audiophiles consider the LS28SE an endgame component, confirming its transformative effect on system performance justifies the investment. This preamplifier offers remarkable sonic performance and enduring quality for discerning listeners.
Know before you buy
The LS28SE is designed to be highly transparent and neutral. It aims to deliver a realistic, emotional connection to your music by providing exceptional clarity and transient speed without coloring the original signal.
This design helps maintain signal integrity by effectively canceling out noise and interference. It results in a lower noise floor and improved dynamic range, ensuring your music remains clean and detailed even at higher volumes.
With an output impedance of 600 ohms and a gain of 18.5dB, the LS28SE is highly compatible with a wide range of power amplifiers. Its balanced architecture ensures it can drive long cable runs without signal degradation.
The unit features exceptionally low noise levels, rated at less than -100dBv at maximum volume. This near-inaudible noise floor allows for greater resolution of subtle musical details and a more immersive listening experience.
The LS28SE offers an impressively wide frequency response of 0.4Hz to 200kHz (+0/-3dB). This ensures that the preamplifier can handle the full spectrum of high-resolution audio sources with ease and precision.
The unit measures 19 inches wide, 6.5 inches high, and 13.7 inches deep. You should ensure your rack or shelf can accommodate these dimensions while allowing for proper ventilation to maintain optimal performance.
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