Audio Research dealers feature exclusive territory and all sales must be in-store. Equipment with such pedigree must be appreciated in person, so please come in to experience it first hand and allow us to recommend the best components for your needs. Audio Research VSi60 Integrated Amplifier The VSi60 Integrated Amplifier with a rated output of 50 watts per channel offers an here-to-fore unavailable level of performance, build quality and value at the price. The control section of the VSi60 is passive, utilizing microprocessor-controlled relays. The high performance input relay paths are especially short. The microprocessor control remembers the last input selected and the stereo/mono setting when it is powered down. Upon turn-on there is an automatic 30-second warmup mute, with the volume control reset to zero. Musically, the VSi60 is a joy to listen to, with great tonality, resolution and dynamics. You will have to keep reminding yourself that the VSi60 is reasonably priced because other products sound colored and lifeless in comparison. There is no bandwidth limiting, and the robust power supply allows music to flow with remarkable dynamic life. The VSi60 is pure, harmonically right, and lets music bloom. Pair the VSi60 with a great CD player and loudspeakers and you can have a compact system which defies expectations and gets to the heart of the music. Price: $4999.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research SP17L / SP17 Preamplifier The SP17 brings much of the performance offered by its acclaimed and more expensive siblings to a price range that is within reach of many music lovers. The SP17 is completely single-ended with five sets of inputs (labeled Phono, CD, Tuner, Video and Aux), plus a Processor (unity-gain) pass-through. There are two sets of Main single-ended outputs, plus a Tape (monitor) out. The SP17L omits the phono stage for those without a turntable. Internally, much has been improved. The SP17 features low-noise JFET inputs in both the line- and phono-stages, and instead of 12AX7s you will find a 6H30 in each section – all of our preamplifiers now employ this high performance long-life tube. The same high-voltage regulator found in the LS17 and LS26 is now utilized in the SP17, and so is the same 103-step volume control. And, like all of our other preamplifiers, the SP17 is pure Class-A. Bandwidth has increased, with -3dB points below 0.3Hz to above 120KHz. Output impedance has been lowered, improving the SP17's ability to drive long cables and low impedance amplifiers. Gain in the line section has been reduced very slightly, from 11.5 to 11.1dB, but it has been increased in the phono section from 43.5dB to 47dB. The SP17 is 2dB quieter in its line section and is 9dB quieter in its phono section, making it an astonishing 11dB quieter overall. Now it is much easier to use a phono cartridge with an output below 1mV without incurring noise. In our estimation, there is no MM phono stage under $800 to touch the internal stage of the SP17. What do all of these changes translate to musically? Greater articulation, better image focus and an apparent speed resulting from lower distortion and a lack of smearing. Bass definition and control are improved, and dynamics simply pop. And because it is so quiet, the music stands out in bold relief against a black background. Individually, each of these attributes is easily identified and meaningful, but combining them in the SP17 provides one with the same type of magic offered by our costlier line-stages. Price: $3750.00 / $4299.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research LS17 Preamplifier With the REF3 redefining what is possible in ultimate preamplifier performance and the LS26 creating a new performance benchmark in a slightly smaller package, we are very proud to introduce the LS17, a new preamplifier offering much of their performance and musicality in a more affordable package. The new LS17 retains the strong feature set of the previous LS16 series, offering two balanced and five single-ended inputs, and two balanced and one single-ended output. A monitor input and record output are also provided. On the front panel, the changes are more obvious. A new linear LED display provides a 20-lamp display for the 104-step volume control, as well as indicators for selected input and muting. One rotary control is provided for volume adjustment, while a second controls input select. Pushbuttons are provided for power, monitor, processor (unity gain) and mute. All functions are also accessible via the included handheld remote. For systems using a master controller, all LS17 functions are individually addressable by discrete codes. Handles are included as part of the standard LS17 package. But it is in the LS17's remarkable new level of performance that you will experience the biggest difference from its predecessor. Using two 6H30 twin triodes in the audio stage, the LS17 has a larger power transformer, redesigned power supply and new parts including proprietary output coupling caps. This gives the LS17 the stunning purity of sound first heard in the REF3 and in the more recent LS26. The family resemblance is undeniable, and convincing. The LS17 has an easy flow to its presentation, but it resolves musical and spatial information at a much higher level than the LS16 series was ever capable of. Instrument focus, soundstage clarity and bass definition are all vividly enhanced. Members of our listening panel agree that if the LS26 is the "REF3 Jr.," then the LS17 is surely the "Baby REF3." The pedigree is only too clear, and you will hear it immediately and without effort. With the introduction of the LS17, Audio Research now offers benchmarks in preamplifier quality, performance and value at three distinct price points. Our lineup has never been stronger. Hear for yourself how an LS17 can transform your system and make music much more enjoyable. Price: $4999.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research VS60 Tube Power Amplifier We are happy to announce the introduction of a new vacuum-tube stereo power amplifier: the VS60, with a rated output of 50 watts per channel. The VS60 makes a wonderful companion to the SP17 preamplifier or other preamps from the LS series. Using an open (rather than fully enclosed) chassis architecture, the VS60 features a milled, anodized top plate through which the input and output tubes project upward. Behind the tubes and finished top plate are located the output and power transformers and a row of high-quality power-supply capacitors. The appearance is crisp and logical without being overly "retro." Tube locations and types are screened next to each opening in the top plate, along with bias-adjustments for the two matched pair of 6550 EH output tubes. While offering excellent soundstage focus and a vivid, liquid midrange, the VS60 also has surprising musical dynamics. Bass extension and impact are impressive compared to other amflifiers in this power range, thanks to generous power-supply energy reserves and to the efficient output-transformer design. In all, the VS60 bears the sonic hallmarks of being a true Audio Research amflifier: a quick, dynamic and powerful acoustic envelope surrounding an illuminated midrange of palpable lushness and realism. Price: $4299.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research LS26 Tube Preamplifier After the REF3 was introduced we were regularly asked when there might be a less expensive preamp with the magic that so captivated everyone who heard the REF3. Hearing the new REF3 made it very difficult to go back to any other preamp. Well, thanks to trickle-down technology, the LS26 is here and it is simply stunning in its musical presentation. The new LS26 physically resembles a downsized REF3, with a smaller vacuum-fluorescent display flanked by knobs for Volume and Input. Under the display are six soft touch switches controlling Power, Mono/Stereo, BAL/SE, Processor (pass-through), Monitor, and Mute. The LS26 maintains all of the LS25's inputs, outputs, controls and functionality, and adds phase inversion via the remote control. The display shows the volume, input, balance (via L-R line graph), and operating status (including BAL/SE, Hi/Med/Low Gain, Mute, Stereo/Mono, Invert, and Tube Hours). There are eight levels of illumination for the display, plus off. Like the REF3, inputs are direct access and there are discrete codes for power on/off, processor, and other functions, so it will be easy to integrate the LS26 with system controllers from companies like AMX or Crestron. The rear of the LS26 includes a 12V trigger and a 15A IEC connector. All inputs and outputs are both SE and XLR. The LS26 benefits from many enhancements passed down from the REF3, including new proprietary parts, special damping, and other design elements. The LS26 is pure Class-A with zero feedback, the power supply is massive and fully regulated, frequency response extends to 160kHz, input headroom has been increased by 71%, and noise is vanishingly low, allowing the LS26 to be used in noise-sensitive applications. Gain is provided by two long-life 6H30 triodes, so maintenance costs are low. With its low output impedance, the LS26 will easily drive virtually any amplifier you would care to use. The LS26 sounds like a REF3 on a slightly smaller scale, sharing an uncanny ability to grab you and make you want to listen to whatever is playing. The musicians are there, performing for you, without hype. The soundstage is expansive, everything within it properly proportioned, focused and grainless. There is a natural, expressive dynamic life that is captivating: quiet passages whisper and loud passages are startling. Like the REF3, there is a directness and immediacy that connects the listener with the performance. The LS26 outperforms the vaunted REF2MKII. Price: $7495.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research DAC7 Digital to Analog Converter With computer-served music now in full swing, Audio Research is bringing it's considerable digital expertise gained from development of the world-class REF CD7 to fruition with the new DAC7 DAC. The DAC7 features a multitude of digital connections, including USB, XLR, COAX, OPTICAL and both both balanced and RCA outputs. A perfect upgrade for the Logitech Squeezebox Duet, Apple Airtunes or any DVD or CD player. Price: $4299.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research CD5 CD Player This is our favourite CD player, truly one of the only in the world that we feel comes close to the magic of vinyl. The CD5 clearly demonstrates how much musical information is buried in compact discs. In the face of emerging formats, the CD5 has proved that the billions of redbook discs in circulation remain vital in high resolution music systems. So why change such a good thing? Because the CD5 retains the inherent musicality of the original while delivering even higher resolution and lower distortion, along with a new, more elegant remote control. Sonically the MKII simply refines the wonderful presentation of the CD3MKII. What will you notice? Higher resolution with reduced distortion, a lower noise floor, and increased micro and macrodynamics. The translation? Lyrics have greater intelligibility. Instruments are better focused in a more spacious and airy soundstage. When things get loud everything hangs together, without glare or harshness, because distortions that crept in previously are now absent. Music simply breathes more freely and with greater authority. Price: $7499.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research SD135 Solid State Power Amplifier The SD135 is an entirely new amplifier for Audio Research involving a new mix of discrete devices within the framework of a pure analog, solid-state design. The new SD135 accommodates either single-ended or balanced inputs and features an all-solid-state input stage using multiple JFET devices in each channel, directly driving the output stage - no interstage coupling capacitors needed. The SD135 is an amplifier with amazingly fast response time, explosive dynamics and plenty of current delivery for a wide range of speaker types including difficult, low impedance models. Frequency response is an amazing 0.4Hz to 300kHz! Bass is deep, controlled and quick to the punch. The noise floor of the SD135 is extremely low, rendering micro-dynamics and subtle sonic nuances with vivid clarity against a black background. Its presentation is transparent, detailed, and grainless – no listener fatigue here. Pair it with an Audio Research preamp and you will hear an immense soundstage in a highly refined and purely musical presentation. The SD135 provides the Audio Research hallmarks of high definition® and musicality in a compact, affordable package that will simply eclipse the competition. You must audition the SD135 for yourself to hear the latest evolutionary step in solid-state technology. Price: $6250.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research Reference 110 Tube Power Amplifier A major reason that ARC Reference products have been so successful is that each offers great value-the remarkable performance each provides had simply not been available near its price. Now, the Reference 110 will redefine expectations and value in a truly state-of-the-art stereo amplifier. The attractive internal layout is similar in appearance to the REF210 with the right and left channel boards mounted horizontally, flanking the transformers mounted on a raised central channel running front-to-back. A small LCD display indicating tube hours is mounted on the front of the right channel board and is visible through the top. Two small 12V D.C. fans are mounted on the rear panel, with a small internal switch allowing their speed to be set to low, medium or high. Input is balanced XLR only, while the output has separate taps for 4-8-16 ohm speaker loads via our proprietary five-way binding-posts. The REF110 has two 12V triggers (input and output) to allow remote turn-on, and there is a 20A IEC connector for the power cord. Power output is 110 WPC continuous, based upon a push-pull, fully balanced circuit utilizing two matched pairs of 6550C output tubes per channel. The input stage utilizes direct-coupled JFETs with a 6H30 gain stage and 6H30 cathode-follower. Biasing is performed internally and is both simple and straightforward, with insulated test points on the main boards. Output stage coupling is a combination of "Ultralinear" and Audio Research's "partially cathode-coupled" topology, yielding better sound than conventional pentode or triode operation. The REF110 is truly a Reference product, maintaining the musical presentation of its larger siblings. The REF110 is simply revelatory, displaying an irresistible combination of grainless detail, refinement and dynamic life with bass definition, impact and control. And, as a visiting reviewer who heard a preproduction unit commented, "The Reference110 reproduces the widest soundstage I have ever heard from a stereo amplifier!" This amplifier plays big, in every positive respect. Price: $12499.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation) Audio Research PH5 Phono Preamplifier The full-width 19" front panel's layout is similar to the SP17, with an LED display on the left side and four soft-touch buttons on the right. The buttons control Power, Mute, Mono, and Loading. For the first time in a PH-series phono stage you can adjust cartridge loading to 47K, 1000, 500, 200, or 100 ohms at the touch of a button. And, better yet, the four front panel controls are duplicated on the remote control included with the PH5. Now you can even adjust loading from the comfort of your favorite chair! The PH5 is a hybrid (as was the PH3), utilizing a new high-gain, 5-JFET per channel, non-inverting input stage with constant-current stabilization and no overall feedback. New RIAA circuits are patterned after the Reference Phono, with passive high frequency and active low frequency equalization resulting in an improved margin of stability under the most demanding conditions. The non-inverting gain and output stages utilize four 6922 twin triodes. There are high-stability power supplies with four separate regulators for all tube heaters, plate supply and microprocessor logic. And, as you have come to expect from Audio Research, the bandwidth of the PH5 is 0.7Hz to 400kHz (-3dB). Total gain has been increased to 57.5dB, more than sufficient for low output moving coil cartridges when partnered with an appropriate line-stage. Price: $3100.00 (subject to change based on currency fluctuation)