Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. Reference 2, Mark 2 Preamplifier (Tube) by scousepasty

Model:	Reference 2, Mark 2
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$9995.00
Description:	Stereo Line Pre-amplifier.
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Research, Inc.
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Research, Inc.

Review by scousepasty ( A ) on January 15, 2006 at 11:34:18
IP Address: 86.142.115.214

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for the Reference 2, Mark 2

I bought this pre-amp as an upgrade from my previous pre which was an ARC LS25 Mk2.
When I saw that ARC were coming out with the Reference 3 Pre, I thought that I would see some of the previous model coming onto the secondhand market as 'richer enthusiasts' upgraded and discussed the opportunity to buy a trade-in with the dealer that I use. I was really surprised when he told me that he had the last remaining UK import in stock and brand new boxed. So we did the deal and I got the Ref 2 for around a third of the list price plus my LS25.
Of course, I had read all the reviews over the years and was expecting a to hear what some reviewers had called 'tube' noise and others had said broadband noise.
Well, I have heard none of that, just pure music with a dramatic increase in soundstage width, detail and base.
I have over 11,000 classic & jazz recordings in my collection, mostly vinyl but also some c.d. and I think I need to retire now to listen to everything again, now that I have the Ref 2 plumbed in to my system!
I am to getting too old to catch-up with the sleep that I am missing just enjoying all the extra that I hear through this pre-amp.
Van Morrison is a particular favourite, some of his stuff used to sound muddy and slurred but not any more.
Jennifer Warne 'The Well' is one that I have on both the superb Cisco vinyl issue and on c.d. Her cover of Tom Waits 'Invitation to the Blues' always sounded good on vinyl but now the soundstage has opened right out, it just fills the room.
And now I am hearing room door shaking bass that I never knew was there on Horace Silver & Herby Mann 10" mono's.

Product Weakness: No longer in production.
Product Strengths: Ease of functions control from remote. Superb soundstage width, definition and depth of bass.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ARC 120 / 150 bi-amp.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research LS Ref 2 Mark 11. Mark Levinson Phono Stage.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	VPI HRX
Speakers:	Quad ELS 63 / SW63 subs.
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber & Van Den Hul
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, R & B, Opera.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Russ Andrews.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	See Inmate's system

Product Weakness:	No longer in production.
Product Strengths:	Ease of functions control from remote. Superb soundstage width, definition and depth of bass.