Audio Research Reference Phono 3

This listing is for the highly regarded Audio Research Reference 3 Phono Preamplifier.  This is a big and fully featured Moving Coil and Moving Magnet phono stage using tubes in the circuit and having the ability to change gain and loading from the front panel or from the included remote control.  It has been considered one of the most musical phono stages in it’s price range and has excellent build quality.

This AR Reference 3 phono stage is in excellent condition.  I didn’t go over it with a magnifying glass but I didn’t see any mars or scratches on it.  It should probably rate as a 9 but I am rating it as an 8 in case I missed some small mar on the sides or back.  I am selling it for a friend who moved on to something better, and significantly more expensive – the Lejonklou SINGularity custom built mono block MC phono stages at $55,000.  He bought the unit used after it had been back to Audio Research for refurbishing and re-tubing.  The new tubes only have 281 hours on them so they still have lots of life left.

The Audio Research Reference 3 Phono Preamplifier will ship with all original parts and accessories (tubes, AC cable, remote control, manual and paperwork) in the original box and packing.  This is a large and heavy package so the shipping will not be cheap.  The shipping charge is the responsibility of the purchased so it should be taken into consideration.  Also included are two rubber tube damping rings for all the smaller tubes, as you can see in the photos.  I do not see any mention of them in the manual or parts list so these appear to be something that was added on.  I am including them so that you can use them or not as you choose.

The Audio Research Reference 3 Phono Preamplifier has been updated to the Reference 3SE.  The Reference 3 can be upgraded to the current 3SE by Audio Research at the factory.  I don’t know the cost but I’m sure buying an excellent condition Reference 3 like this and upgrading it would certainly be much less expensive than buying a new one.  Either way here is your chance to get a fine and flexible phono stage for a very good price.  Please see the photos for additional insight into the condition of this unit.   The buyer will pay shipping and insurance for this unit, local pickup in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area is available.   Thanks for looking.