Audio Research Reference Two Stereo Tube Preamplifier; Remote; Ref 2 Mk 1 (SOLD)

Product: Audio Research Reference Two Stereo Tube Preamplifier; Remote; Ref 2 Mk 1

Product SKU: 18073

Serial Number: 30290003

Voltage: 120V

Cosmetic Description: 8/10 Excellent condition with minimal visible cosmetic wear including a small scuff on the top cover near the middle. There is also a faint smell of tobacco present after the preamplifier warms up. Outstanding condition overall - the condition will please even the most discerning audiophile.

What is Included: Preamplifier, 9 Electro Harmonix 6922EH tubes, 1 Electro Harmonix 6L6EH tube, 1 Sovtek 5AR4 tube, Remote, Power cable, Factory packaging

Functional Notes: Operational condition of this item is excellent, fully tested and no issues found.

Age: Circa 2000

# of Owners: 2

Tobacco Exposure: Yes

Service History: Serviced Dec 2017 by Audio Research. 8 tubes on preamp board (6922) replaced and 1 power supply capacitor. Power supply tubes replaced December 2018.

MSRP: $9995

Other Notes: Previous owner indicates current tubes have about 500 hours of use.

"It's only a line section and it costs $10,000, but the Audio Research Reference Two looks, feels, behaves, and sounds like a $10,000 product. It combines the best of the old technology—including tube rectification and regulation, super-dynamic presentation—with the signal-routing and remote-control features demanded by today's affluent audiophiles, including remote phase inversion and fully balanced operation. The extra gain and added quiet should only improve what is already the most credible-sounding, musically poised preamplifier I've heard.
True, the Ref 2 seemed to ever so subtly enrich what it was fed, but this was done with such magical sleight of hand that I remained unaware of the behind-the-scenes sonic activity. I never wished for more or less while listening, whether it was the Eurythmics' horn-blasting "Would I Lie to You?" or the RCA Soria LP edition of The Horowitz Collection, a set of remarkably clean-sounding vintage mono recordings from the mid-1940s through the mid-'50s. The result was that the Ref 2 remained in my system for months; I forgot about it until I had to send it to JA for measurement." - Stereophile

Product Specifications

Manual

Reviews:  Stereophile

Shipping: Cost to ship this item within the contiguous United States is a flat rate of $80- including packaging and insurance. For all other locations including Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska, please request a quote prior to purchase. Items with factory packaging will be double boxed. When factory packaging not available re-usable shipping box with custom injected-foam mold will be used. (for all items over 10 lbs). Note that all items valued over $500 will require a signature upon delivery.