Audio Research
Reference Phono 2SE
Best sonic purity for discerning audiophiles seeking an immersive vinyl experience.
Experience unparalleled vinyl playback with this dedicated phono preamplifier. Engineered with vacuum tube circuitry, it delivers a warm, natural, and exceptionally detailed sonic signature. This versatile unit seamlessly handles both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, offering flexibility for various turntable setups. Its robust construction and meticulous design ensure outstanding performance and lasting reliability, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking to elevate their analog listening experience.
$5499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
225
/ 895
#225 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Amplification Type
Tube
/ Tube
Who it's for
- Discerning audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of analog playback.
- Music lovers prioritizing organic sound and emotional depth.
- Serious vinyl collectors with multiple or high-end cartridges.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners or those new to high-end audio.
- Users preferring maintenance-free, solid-state audio components.
- Casual listeners or those with less refined ancillary gear.
Performance breakdown
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty construction ensures lasting reliability for the most demanding audiophile systems.
Detail Retrieval
Extracts nuanced micro-details often lost in standard analog playback chains.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR and RCA outputs provide flexible integration with high-end amplifiers.
Signal Transparency
Maintains exceptional clarity while preserving the signature tube-driven harmonic profile.
Sonic Warmth
Vacuum tube circuitry delivers a rich, organic texture to every record.
Cartridge Versatility
Seamlessly accommodates both MM and MC cartridges for diverse turntable setups.
Key Specs
Amplification Type
Tube
Circuitry Type
Vacuum Tube
Equalization Curve
RIAA
Cartridge Support
MM and MC
Output Connectivity
XLR, RCA
Power Supply Type
Internal
Know before you buy
The unit is designed to handle both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. You will need to ensure your turntable's output is correctly matched to the appropriate input settings on the preamp to achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio.
Yes, the Reference Phono 2SE features both XLR and RCA outputs. This allows you to integrate it into a wide variety of high-end audio systems, whether you prefer balanced or single-ended connections.
The vacuum tube design provides a signature warmth and natural harmonic richness that solid-state alternatives often lack. It excels at delivering a detailed, organic sound that brings out the nuances in vinyl recordings.
Like all vacuum tube equipment, the tubes will eventually require replacement after several thousand hours of use to maintain peak performance. The unit is built with robust construction to ensure longevity, but you should plan for periodic tube checks as part of your standard audio maintenance.
Yes, the Reference Phono 2SE is engineered with a precise RIAA equalization curve. This ensures accurate playback for the vast majority of vinyl records produced since the mid-1950s.
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$5499