Audio Research

Browse Audio Research vintage audio equipment in the Vintage Technology Archive.

Amplifiers

• D-79 — A high-powered tube amplifier built in the USA with a regulated power supply and forced-air cooling for sustained high-fidelity performance.
• D79B — A rare tube power amplifier using a quad of 6550 or KT88 output tubes, originally priced at $3000.
• S-100 — Audio Research S-100 solid-state amp: 100WPC, dual-mono, fully balanced. Minnesota-built, $9,450. Serious engineering, no tubes.

Preamplifiers

• LS-3 — Audio Research LS-3 (1992) solid-state preamp: 5kg, 480mm, 20dB gain, touchscreen, optional DAC/phono cards. A rare transistor departure from a tube legend.
• SP-10 — Audio Research SP-10 (1982) — dual-chassis tube preamp with 6DJ8 tubes, 5Hz–30kHz response, and legendary phono stage. A classic with demanding tube requirements.
• SP-3 (1972) — Audio Research SP-3 (1972) tube preamp: 9.7kg, 15Hz–30kHz response, 8 inputs. A landmark that proved tubes could rival solid state.

Other Models

• Audio Research — Browse Audio Research vintage audio equipment in the Vintage Technology Archive.
• D-79 — A high-powered tube amplifier built in the USA with a regulated power supply and forced-air cooling for sustained high-fidelity performance.
• D79B — A rare tube power amplifier using a quad of 6550 or KT88 output tubes, originally priced at $3000.
• LS-3 — Audio Research LS-3 (1992) solid-state preamp: 5kg, 480mm, 20dB gain, touchscreen, optional DAC/phono cards. A rare transistor departure from a tube legend.
• LS28 — Audio Research LS28 (2016) tube preamp: 15.9 lb, 115dB SNR, 6H30 tubes. A Foundation Series standout with Reference 6 DNA.
• LS2B — Audio Research LS2B preamp (1992) — 6.0kg hybrid tube/solid-state line stage with balanced XLR, 1Hz–100kHz response. A cult favorite among vintage audiophiles.
• S 200 — Audio Research S 200 stereo power amplifier delivers 200 WPC into 8 ohms with dual-mono Class AB design and custom heat sinks — a modern high-end solid-state statement.
• S-100 — Audio Research S-100 solid-state amp: 100WPC, dual-mono, fully balanced. Minnesota-built, $9,450. Serious engineering, no tubes.
• SP-10 — Audio Research SP-10 (1982) — dual-chassis tube preamp with 6DJ8 tubes, 5Hz–30kHz response, and legendary phono stage. A classic with demanding tube requirements.
• SP-11 — A two-box hybrid preamplifier marking the midpoint of Audio Research’s shift toward neutral, transparent sound.
• SP-3 (1972) — Audio Research SP-3 (1972) tube preamp: 9.7kg, 15Hz–30kHz response, 8 inputs. A landmark that proved tubes could rival solid state.
• SP-8 — Audio Research SP-8 (1981–1988) — 10kg tube preamp with FET-coupled stages, ±.25dB response to 30kHz, and a cult following for its honest, detailed sound.
• SP8 — Audio Research SP8 (1981) tube preamplifier: 22 lbs, 8 tubes, 20Hz-20kHz response. A transparent, service-intensive classic still revered for its honesty and depth.