Audio Research
Audio Research REF Phono 3SE Phono Preamplifier
Best high-end phono stage for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking ultimate clarity.
Experience unparalleled vinyl playback with the Audio Research REF Phono 3SE. This premium phono preamplifier is meticulously engineered to reveal the full depth and detail of your record collection. Its design prioritizes a pure signal path, ensuring that every nuance of the music is presented with exceptional clarity and a remarkably low noise floor. The REF Phono 3SE offers a smooth, natural, and vivid listening experience, allowing you to rediscover your favorite albums with astonishing insight and precision.
$22000.00
More Reference Phono Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
36
/ 473
#36 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+220%
Above average
Frequency Response
.252010.380
/ ± dB of RIAA, Hz to kHz; dB points below Hz and above kHz
Who it's for
- Serious listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and premium internal components
- Audiophiles seeking ultimate holographic soundstage and natural analog texture
- Vinyl collectors using diverse high-end moving coil or magnet cartridges
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited rack space or compact listening room environments
- Budget-conscious hobbyists seeking high-performance audio on a reasonable scale
- Minimalists wanting a low-maintenance, cool-running audio system setup
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
The ultra-low noise floor reveals microscopic details in every vinyl groove.
Cartridge Versatility
Selectable impedance settings ensure perfect matching for diverse moving coil cartridges.
Sonic Realism
Vacuum tube circuitry delivers a lush, lifelike presentation of complex musical passages.
Soundstage Depth
Instruments are placed with pinpoint accuracy across a vast, immersive soundscape.
RIAA Accuracy
Precision engineering maintains near-perfect frequency response across the entire audible spectrum.
Build Integrity
Robust internal power supply ensures consistent, interference-free performance for years.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
±.2 dB of RIAA, 5 Hz to 20kHz; 1 dB points below 0.3Hz and above 80 kHz
Distortion
Less than .015% at 3V RMS 1kHz output
Gain
58 dB at 1 kHz (fixed)
Input Impedance
Selectable loads: 47k, 1000, 500, 200, 100 Ohms
Output Impedance
200 ohms
Tube Complement
(3)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550WE and 6H30P in power supply
Power Requirements
100-125VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz), 120 watts maximum
Weight
7 kg Net
Features
- Exceptional insight into LPs
- Smooth and natural vinyl playback
- Superb sound staging
- Nearly non-existent noise floor
- Adjustable loading for MC cartridges
- Refined musical portrayal
- Vivid clarity in audio reproduction
What customers say
The Audio Research REF Phono 3SE is highly regarded for elevating vinyl playback. Users consistently commend its capacity to reveal intricate micro detail while maintaining a rich, natural sound and broad soundstage. A standout feature is its remarkably low noise floor, enhancing dynamic contrast and transient speed. The Special Edition upgrade provides enhanced transparency and resolution, proving a valuable addition for analog aficionados. While versatile with cartridges, its significant cost is a key consideration. For those pursuing top tier performance, the REF Phono 3SE offers an unmatched, engaging listening experience that validates its premium positioning.
Know before you buy
The REF Phono 3SE is specifically optimized for Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. It features selectable loading options—47k, 1000, 500, 200, and 100 Ohms—to ensure precise impedance matching for a wide variety of MC designs.
The hybrid design combines the harmonic richness and natural warmth of vacuum tubes with the stability and low noise floor of modern solid-state engineering. This results in a playback experience that feels both vivid and exceptionally precise.
The REF Phono 3SE provides a fixed gain of 58 dB at 1 kHz. This is carefully calibrated to provide sufficient output for most high-performance Moving Coil cartridges without introducing unnecessary noise.
Like any high-end vacuum tube component, the tubes will eventually require replacement to maintain peak performance. The unit utilizes three 6H30P dual triodes in the signal path, with a 6550WE and an additional 6H30P in the power supply.
No, the REF Phono 3SE is designed strictly for the standard RIAA equalization curve. It is engineered to provide the most accurate and transparent reproduction possible for standard vinyl pressings.
The unit weighs 7 kg and features an internal power supply, making it a substantial piece of equipment. You should ensure your rack or shelf can support its weight and provide adequate ventilation for the vacuum tubes to operate safely.
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