 Audio Research Introduces Reference 3 Line Stage Preamplifier
ARC’s new flagship is a totally new design that occupies the same size chassis as its
predecessor, but that is where the similarities end. Everything else,
inside and out, is totally new and reflects all sorts of new “thought”
from Bill Johnson and the engineers at ARC. Even the front panel is new
with a combination of the classic oval knobs for volume and source
selection combined with a new digital display that tells the user
everything he needs to know.
Inside there is a
new class A zero-feedback circuit; new power supply, new transformers,
new passive parts and the excellent Russian 6H30 vacuum tubes. The specs
and measurements of the REF 3 as compared to the world-class REF 2 are
nothing short of incredible. The power supply has about 50% more energy
storage capacity than the REF 2. Bandwidth has been increased from 60Khz
to 200Khz, noise has been reduced by a whopping 12dB, and the distortion
has been reduced by 40%!
I got to spend some
time with the new REF 3 at the CES in Vegas, and while shows aren’t the
best place to really soak in the sound of a component, I can tell you
that I heard very special things coming out of the system. The speakers
were Wilson Alexandrias, which I have heard before and listened to in
two other rooms at this show. I will admit up front that I am not the
biggest Wilson speaker fan, but they do have some interesting qualities
that I have come to know over the years. I am very familiar with the
rest of the system that ARC was using which included a pair of REF300
tube amplifiers and a CD3mkII CD player. I also got to listen to my own
recordings, which always helps.
In short, this was
the best Wilson speaker sound I have yet heard. They were less
analytical and more musical than ever before. The other two rooms that
were using the same speakers weren’t getting anywhere near the sound
that the ARC room had. One of the other rooms made the Alexandria’s bass
sound boomy (a common Wilson problem) and ill defined. The other room
just sounded un-engaging and sleepy compared with the ARC room. Knowing,
as I do, that preamplifiers have a huge effect on the overall sound of a
system, much of the credit for ARC’s great sound must go to the new REF
3.
The price is $9,995
and they are already backordered for a month. Call to order yours
today. I can’t wait to get mine.
-Dave Mitchell
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