Descrizione

Dal sito:

http://www.arcdb.ws/REF3/REF3.html

From the ARC website
Introduced in the spring of 1998, the REF2 received a continuous stream of accolades from around the world. True to its name, it became the reference line-stage preamplifier, purchased new by a thousand music lovers and coveted by thousands more. With the MKII version having been introduced in 2000, it is time to push the performance envelope once again.

"Breakthrough" is an overused term, but it is the most fitting word to describe the REF3. As you can probably imagine, it is difficult to write about a new product like this without sounding clichéd, but the REF3 is so good that it is startling when you hear it in your system. How is its presentation superior to the great products that have preceded it? Simply, in every way. The REF3 is more musically transparent. It presents an immense soundstage that makes everything else sound one-dimensional. Voices and instruments have real body and weight, with pinpoint focus. The deep, powerful bass is fast, articulate, and controlled. It possesses a dynamic swing that is breathtaking. And, most importantly, there is a directness and immediacy that connects the listener with the performance. The results are simply thrilling.

Externally the same dimensions as its predecessors, the REF3 is new inside and out. The front panel marries the classic Audio Research look with a modern display and intuitive controls that will be appreciated. In the middle of the panel is a large display which can show the volume level (numerically and via line graph), input, and operating status (including BAL/SE, Mute, Mono, and Phase). Flanking the display are two knobs which control volume and input. Under the display are four soft touch switches controlling Power, Processor input, BAL/SE, and Mute. The remote controls all front panel functions plus the balance control, and also a display readout of the number of operating hours the vacuum tubes have been in service! It will be easy to integrate the REF3 with system controllers from companies like Crestron or AMX. Inputs are direct access, and there are discreet codes for power on/off, processor on/off, etc.

The rear panel is the same as the REF2 except for the deletion of the tape monitor input. The REF3 does not have the ability to listen to one source while taping another. Also, the IEC connector for the removable power cord has changed from 15A to 20A.

The remarkable level of performance has been achieved with all new audio and power supply circuits. There are four new circuit boards and two new transformers. The new audio circuit is pure tube, Class-A, with zero feedback, utilizing a total of four long-life 6H30 twin triodes. FETs are used for constant-current sources (outside the single path), and the analog circutry uses a long-tailed pair input stage to provide the same performance in either single-ended or balanced operation. Total gain is 12dB balanced, 6dB single-ended. The hybrid power supply has over 50% greater energy storage that its predecessors, greatly contributing to its tremendous dynamic capability. There are other improvements which can be seen on the bench and appreciated in the listening room. Bandwidth has increased from 60kHz to 200kHz; noise has been reduced by 12dB; headroom is much higher, with the maximum input increased to 20V balanced, and distortion has been lowered by 40%. The advancements of the REF3 are both audible and measurable. As you would expect, older REF preamps cannot be updated to the REF3.

It will be easy to hear and see how the REF3 extends the boundaries of preamplifier design. With its great build quality, versatility and the ability to musically transform every system. Building upon the foundation of its famed predecessors, the REF3 will be a resounding success.

Specifiche

Tipologia amplificazione	valvolare
Stadio phono	no
Ingressi analogici	4 ingressi (bilanciati e single-ended)
Ingressi digitali	no
Streaming integrato	no
DAC integrato	no
Bluetooth	no
Valvole utilizzate	4x 6H30
Risposta in frequenza	20 Hz - 200 kHz
Distorsione armonica (THD)	ridotta del 40% rispetto al predecessore
Rapporto S/N	ridotto di 12 dB rispetto al predecessore
Sensibilità ingresso linea	12 dB bilanciato, 6 dB single-ended
Anno produzione	1998

Sul marchio

Audio Research Corporation, per tutti ARC, è stata fondata nel 1970 a Minneapolis, nel Minnesota, da William Z. Johnson. Prima di allora Johnson aveva un piccolo laboratorio dove modificava apparecchi Dynaco e costruiva elettroniche proprie. In piena epoca del transistor scelse la strada opposta e rimise la valvola al centro dell'amplificazione: è soprattutto per questo che il suo nome compare tra i pionieri dell'alta fedeltà americana di fascia alta. Johnson è rimasto il progettista di riferimento della casa per oltre quarant'anni ed è scomparso nel dicembre 2011.
Il primo prodotto fu il finale valvolare Dual 50, presentato a una fiera nel 1970. Pochi anni dopo arrivò il preamplificatore SP-3, che la rivista The Absolute Sound considera forse il debutto più importante dell'intera storia dell'hi-end, affiancato dai finali D-75 e D-76. Nei primi anni Ottanta il preamplificatore SP-10, con quindici valvole e alimentazione esterna, fissò un nuovo riferimento per la categoria. In seguito la sigla Reference ha indicato i modelli di punta della casa.
Anche la proprietà è cambiata più volte. Nel 2008 Johnson ha ceduto l'azienda a Fine Sounds, il gruppo che possedeva già Sonus faber e che in seguito ha preso il nome di McIntosh Group; nel 2020 Audio Research è passata alla TWS Enterprises di Trent Suggs e nel 2023 alla AR Tube Audio Corporation. Dal 2018 la sede è a Maple Grove, sempre nel Minnesota. Il marchio è tuttora attivo: nel 2025, per i suoi 55 anni, ha presentato sei nuovi apparecchi costruiti a mano in Minnesota. Sul nostro sito, però, si trovano solo esemplari usati.
Da Audiocostruzioni passano apparecchi Audio Research usati e vintage: quelli disponibili sono in questa pagina e si possono vedere e ascoltare nello showroom di Carpi oppure ordinare online con spedizione. Per qualsiasi domanda potete scriverci via email.

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