Audio Research Reference 20 Pre-Amplifier

Name: Audio Research Reference 20 Pre-Amplifier
Brand: Audio Research
Price: 101000.00 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

$101,000.00

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The Reference 20 is the culmination of a singular objective: to advance beyond the established limits of preamplifier architecture and redefine what is possible in line-stage performance.

Developed without constraint, it represents a complete rethinking of the line-stage preamplifier. Every critical element—mechanical, electrical, and material—has been reconsidered in pursuit of one outcome: absolute sonic transparency.

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Specifications

Circuit type Dual-differential, all-tube balanced circuitry
Tube complement 2 × 6H30P dual triodes (signal gain) + 1 × 6550 and 1 × 6H30P (power supply)
Frequency response 10Hz–40kHz, ±0.3dB at rated output
Frequency response (-3dB) Up to 120kHz
THD + Noise <0.03% at 2V RMS balanced output, 10Hz–80kHz, unweighted
Gain 12dB balanced / 12dB single-ended
Input impedance 25kΩ balanced / 25kΩ single-ended
Output impedance 600Ω balanced / 375Ω single-ended
Crosstalk -76dB
Power consumption 60W maximum
Standby consumption 4.4W
Power requirements 100–135VAC 60Hz / 200–250VAC 50/60Hz
Dimensions (W × H × D) 48.26 × 17.78 × 44.45cm
Net weight 15kg
Shipping weight 21.8kg

Every critical element—mechanical, electrical, and material—has been reconsidered in pursuit of one outcome: absolute sonic transparency.

Audio Research

Extraordinary Detail Without Losing Musicality

A great preamplifier should do more than simply pass a signal from source to amplifier. It should preserve the character of the recording while adding no unnecessary colouration or distortion.

The Reference 20 achieves this with a combination of low-noise valve circuitry, carefully selected components and an exceptionally clean signal path. Microdynamic information is reproduced with impressive precision, allowing you to hear the smallest changes in expression, ambience and recording space.

At the same time, the presentation remains smooth and organic. There is none of the analytical character that can sometimes accompany extreme levels of resolution. Instead, the Reference 20 delivers detail as part of a coherent musical performance.

Designed for Reference-Class Systems

The Reference 20 is built for systems where every component matters. Its performance makes it a natural partner for high-end power amplifiers and revealing loudspeakers, allowing the quality of the source components and recordings to shine through.

From intimate acoustic recordings to large-scale orchestral performances, the Reference 20 combines control, dynamics and composure with the characteristic dimensionality and realism that make valve-based amplification so appealing.

The result is a preamplifier capable of disappearing from the listening experience, leaving you with the music rather than the equipment.

Meticulously Crafted by Audio Research

As with Audio Research's most ambitious components, the Reference 20 is engineered and constructed without compromise. Every aspect of the design reflects the company's long-standing commitment to high-performance valve audio, from the carefully developed circuitry through to the premium internal components and robust chassis construction.

For the serious listener, the Reference 20 represents more than an upgrade in specification. It is a component designed to extract the maximum musical information from a reference-level system and present it with exceptional realism, refinement and authority.

Who is this for?

The Audio Research Reference 20 is aimed at the serious audiophile who is building a high-end or reference-level two-channel system and wants a preamplifier capable of revealing the full performance of their source components and power amplifier.

It is particularly well suited to listeners who value natural tonal colour, exceptional transparency, spacious soundstaging and the dynamic expressiveness of valve amplification. Its combination of resolution and musicality makes it equally compelling for critical listening and simply enjoying music for long periods.

The Reference 20 makes the most sense in a system where the rest of the components are of a similarly high calibre. It is not a conventional upgrade for an entry-level or mid-range system; rather, it is a statement component for listeners who are prepared to invest in extracting the last level of performance from their system.

What is the Audio Research Reference 20?

The Audio Research Reference 20 is a high-end, all-valve stereo preamplifier designed for reference-quality two-channel audio systems. It combines Audio Research's valve technology with a highly refined balanced circuit design to deliver exceptional transparency, dynamics and musicality.

Is the Reference 20 a valve preamplifier?

Yes. The Reference 20 uses a fully valve-based signal path, with 6H30P dual-triode valves used in the audio circuitry. The valve design contributes to its natural, spacious and highly resolving presentation.

What kind of sound does the Reference 20 produce?

The Reference 20 is designed to be highly transparent and neutral while retaining the dimensionality and natural tonal character associated with valve amplification. It offers an expansive soundstage, excellent microdetail, strong dynamics and realistic instrumental timbre.

Is the Reference 20 suitable for both digital and analogue sources?

Yes. It can be used with a wide range of high-end digital and analogue source components, making it suitable for sophisticated systems incorporating both vinyl and digital playback.

Is the Reference 20 balanced?

Yes. The Reference 20 uses a dual-differential, balanced circuit topology and provides balanced inputs and outputs, making it particularly well suited to systems built around balanced connections.

What power amplifier should I use with the Reference 20?

The Reference 20 is designed to partner with high-quality power amplifiers and is particularly appropriate for reference-level amplifiers where its transparency and resolution can be fully appreciated. It can be used with both valve and solid-state power amplifiers.

Does the Reference 20 have a remote control?

Yes. The preamplifier includes remote control functionality for convenient adjustment of key operating functions from the listening position.

How many inputs does the Reference 20 have?

The Reference 20 provides multiple line-level inputs, allowing several high-end source components to be connected simultaneously.

Does it have a built-in phono stage?

No. The Reference 20 is a line-stage preamplifier and does not include a built-in phono stage. A dedicated high-quality phono preamplifier should be used with a turntable.

Who is the Audio Research Reference 20 designed for?

It is aimed at serious audiophiles and music lovers building a high-end or reference-level stereo system. It is particularly suited to listeners who value exceptional resolution, natural tonal reproduction, expansive soundstaging and the musical qualities of valve electronics.

Does the Reference 20 require regular valve replacement?

Like any valve-based component, its valves will eventually require replacement. The lifespan depends on usage and operating conditions. Audio Research recommends using the appropriate replacement valves and following its maintenance guidance.

Is the Reference 20 suitable for a high-resolution system?

Absolutely. Its low noise, transparency and wide bandwidth make it an excellent choice for revealing systems. However, because it is highly resolving, it can also expose weaknesses in associated equipment and recordings.

What makes the Reference 20 different from a conventional preamplifier?

The Reference 20 is designed without compromising around cost or convenience. Its focus is on extracting the maximum possible musical information from the source while maintaining the natural, three-dimensional presentation for which high-end valve electronics are known.

What type of system is best suited to the Reference 20?

The Reference 20 is best suited to a carefully matched, high-end two-channel system incorporating a premium source, power amplifier and loudspeakers. It is a component intended to sit at the centre of a serious reference-quality music system.

Audio Research Reference 20 Pre-Amplifier

What is the Audio Research Reference 20?

The Audio Research Reference 20 is a high-end, all-valve stereo preamplifier designed for reference-quality two-channel audio systems. It combines Audio Research's valve technology with a highly refined balanced circuit design to deliver exceptional transparency, dynamics and musicality.

Is the Reference 20 a valve preamplifier?

Yes. The Reference 20 uses a fully valve-based signal path, with 6H30P dual-triode valves used in the audio circuitry. The valve design contributes to its natural, spacious and highly resolving presentation.

What kind of sound does the Reference 20 produce?

The Reference 20 is designed to be highly transparent and neutral while retaining the dimensionality and natural tonal character associated with valve amplification. It offers an expansive soundstage, excellent microdetail, strong dynamics and realistic instrumental timbre.

Is the Reference 20 suitable for both digital and analogue sources?

Yes. It can be used with a wide range of high-end digital and analogue source components, making it suitable for sophisticated systems incorporating both vinyl and digital playback.

Is the Reference 20 balanced?

Yes. The Reference 20 uses a dual-differential, balanced circuit topology and provides balanced inputs and outputs, making it particularly well suited to systems built around balanced connections.

What power amplifier should I use with the Reference 20?

The Reference 20 is designed to partner with high-quality power amplifiers and is particularly appropriate for reference-level amplifiers where its transparency and resolution can be fully appreciated. It can be used with both valve and solid-state power amplifiers.

Does the Reference 20 have a remote control?

Yes. The preamplifier includes remote control functionality for convenient adjustment of key operating functions from the listening position.

How many inputs does the Reference 20 have?

The Reference 20 provides multiple line-level inputs, allowing several high-end source components to be connected simultaneously.

Does it have a built-in phono stage?

No. The Reference 20 is a line-stage preamplifier and does not include a built-in phono stage. A dedicated high-quality phono preamplifier should be used with a turntable.

Who is the Audio Research Reference 20 designed for?

It is aimed at serious audiophiles and music lovers building a high-end or reference-level stereo system. It is particularly suited to listeners who value exceptional resolution, natural tonal reproduction, expansive soundstaging and the musical qualities of valve electronics.

Does the Reference 20 require regular valve replacement?

Like any valve-based component, its valves will eventually require replacement. The lifespan depends on usage and operating conditions. Audio Research recommends using the appropriate replacement valves and following its maintenance guidance.

Is the Reference 20 suitable for a high-resolution system?

Absolutely. Its low noise, transparency and wide bandwidth make it an excellent choice for revealing systems. However, because it is highly resolving, it can also expose weaknesses in associated equipment and recordings.

What makes the Reference 20 different from a conventional preamplifier?

The Reference 20 is designed without compromising around cost or convenience. Its focus is on extracting the maximum possible musical information from the source while maintaining the natural, three-dimensional presentation for which high-end valve electronics are known.

What type of system is best suited to the Reference 20?

The Reference 20 is best suited to a carefully matched, high-end two-channel system incorporating a premium source, power amplifier and loudspeakers. It is a component intended to sit at the centre of a serious reference-quality music system.