Audio Research Reference 2 Phono

Audio Research Reference 2 Phono - pre has been well cared for in a non smoking home. The unit is free of any scratches. I sourced a black front panel to match my system and left the handles off (see pic). I have both black and silver handles as I now understand that different handles are in vogue and can ship with either. The tube set purchased direct from ARC have 974 hours and it sounds as new.
MSRP is US 11,995.

The Reference 2 Phono managed to do for me what no other phono stage has done: demonstrate the merit of coupling an active solid-state low gain stage with the virtues of modern vacuum-tube circuitry and thus make moot the debate about solid state versus tubes. Through careful parts selection, design and implementation, Audio Research engineers have achieved a balance of technologies that avow genuine sonic realism. Appropriate to the quality of each LP’s recording, the Reference Phono 2 preserved music’s rhythmic life, detail, and dynamic flux. Previously obscure lyrics became clear. Harmonic insight, texture and pitch accuracy earned top marks. Audio Research continues to carve away at what stands between sonic reproduction and the sound of live music. The Reference Phono 2 shows the company to be at the top of its game. And so it ends where it began: "music amplified through the Reference Phono 2 simply unfolds in a natural way." Here is an instant classic. Here is a component with which to complete your analog front-end.- Tim Aucremann
Frequency response: ±0.2dB of RIAA, 10Hz to 60kHz: 3dB points below 0.5Hz and above 300kHz
Distortion: .002% at 1.0V RMS 1kHz BAL output
Gain: Selectable 51dB (Low), 74dB (High) at 1kHz BAL; 45dB (Low), 68dB (High) at 1kHz SE (MC & MM compatible)
Input impedance: 47k Ohms and 100pF SE.
Additional selectable loads: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms, and Custom Phono equalization: (Selectable) RIAA, Columbia, Decca.
Polarity: Non-inverting.
Output impedance: 200 ohms SE, 400 ohms balanced. Recommended load 50K–100K ohms and 100pF
Maximum input: 250mV RMS at 1kHz (680mV RMS at 10kHz)
Rated output: 0.5V RMS 10Hz to 20kHz, 100k Ohm load
Noise: 0.22uV equivalent input noise (High Gain) (65dB below 0.1mV 1kHz input)
Tube complement: (4) 6H30 dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6H30, 6550C in power supply
Dimensions: 19** x 7 x 15.5**
Weight: 27 lbs. net
Price: $12,000