ARC Introduces first 2-chassis Phono stage...the Reference Phono 10

Audio Research announces the introduction of the Reference Phono 10 | Dé Durob Audio blog ? Le Blog de Durob Audio

Mike...I am sorry to do this to you but this one is begging to join its Ref 10 line stage preamp brother :cool: :P

Oh man!!! Can you imagine? Oh brother!!

Oh!!
I forgot to show this :
From ARC
Vinyl record playback has been an integral part of Audio Research since our founding in 1970. Think back to the great phono stages built into the defining preamplifiers of their day, among them the SP3, SP6, SP8, SP10, and SP11. Even after the introduction of the compact disc in 1982, phono sections remained a revered part of our preamplifiers. The first Audio Research phono preamplifier in a separate chassis was introduced in 1992.
After all this time, we are proud to finally introduce the first two-chassis phono preamplifier in our history, the Reference Phono 10. This model number was designated because it mirrors its line-stage counterpart, the Reference 10, providing an unsurpassed level of performance in its category. The retail price of the Reference Phono 10 is $30,000.00 U.S.
The Reference Phono 10 (RP10, for brevity) embodies everything we know about phono playback, and incorporates many of the insights gained in the development of the REF Anniversary and REF10 line-stage preamplifiers. The RP10 is a true dual-mono design with totally separate signal paths for each channel, from the dual-mono power supply forward. There are separate high- and low-voltage transformers for each channel, and sufficient energy storage for a serious amplifier, fully twice the capacity of a REFPH2, providing incredible dynamic headroom. There are twenty stages of electronic regulation, with separate vacuum-tube regulation (via 6550WE and 6H30) for each channel. There are dual umbilical cords between the power supply and the separate analog stage. The power cord inlet contains a 20A IEC connector.
The dual-mono audio circuits are fully discrete, pure Class-A, with zero feedback. The low gain audio section uses eight 6H30 tubes, four per channel. Rather than using a step-up transformer, special high-gain, extremely low-noise FETs are used in the high- gain section. This approach is costlier than using a transformer, but it is well worth the dramatic performance increase.
The RP10 is a fully balanced design, with an input circuit that allows its RCA inputs to operate in a balanced configuration without requiring an inverter.
The RP10 has two sets of inputs with the same flexibility as the Reference Phono 2SE, including switchable Low (51dB BAL/45dB SE) and High (74dB BAL/68dB SE) gain, seven loading options including 47k, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 ohms, plus Custom which can be factory-set according to your needs. In addition to standard RIAA equalization, the RP10 also includes early Columbia and Decca equalization curves.

The RP10 looks almost exactly like the REF10, with the same 7-inch diagonal touch screen mounted asymmetrically, and only two buttons for power and mute on its front panel. (The REF10’s volume knob is understandably absent.) The interactive touch screen allows the user to change inputs (and input names), equalization, loading, gain, muting, foreground and background colors of the display, display intensity, and tube hours. Control functions are duplicated on the supplied metal remote.
The side panels of both analog and power-supply chassis are finished to the same high standard as the front panels: anodized, 3/8 inch thick, with no visible screws. The entire chassis (including rear panel) is painted silver to complete the elegant appearance. The tops of both units are clear acrylic with a laser-cut perforation pattern.
From the first note on that treasured LP, its greatness is at once obvious and breathtaking—the Reference Phono 10 is a sonic blockbuster that establishes the new standard in analog music playback. Emphatically. Great vinyl takes on an explosive, dynamic quality that is normally encountered only in a live performance, whether the crescendo of an orchestra, a roaring rock band, or the intricacies of a solo piano. When called for, the stage is vast, holographic, enveloping: Dimensionality is redefined, with an engaging, reach out and touch it quality. The RP10 resolves so much detail without grain, delighting listeners with new information extracted from those familiar grooves. The musical experience is so much more involving and persuasive—you do not want it to end. But these are mere words that pale in comparison to the actual listening experience. Understanding only comes from listening.
Production is starting now, with the first few units shipping in early May. Contact your sales representative to experience the product that triumphantly validates the superiority of analog playback; music in High Definition®.
Sincerely,
Audio Research Corporation

Looks like it's gonna be $30K also http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...asic/blink.gif http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...shocked003.gif

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Originally Posted by cmalak

Looks like it's gonna be $30K also http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...asic/blink.gif http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/s...shocked003.gif

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It is US30k

How long do we think it's going to take for Mike to order one? The over-under is 60 days. I'm going with the "under".

Only the best should be paired with a Clearaudio Innovation.

You guys crack me up. I'm going to stick with my Zesto for now (it really sounds great) and I can't wait for my new VPI Classic 3 (Rosewood) and Lyra Kleos which I just ordered to arrive. I can buy a lot of music for the price of the REF10PH. I need to shore up other areas of my system before I even think of a REF10PH. Plus, I'm not overly keen on a two big box phono stage. Takes up too much rack space.

...what I need is to sell my Avid TT/SME309/Dynavector.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tur...9-analog-34202

...what I need is to sell my Avid TT/SME309/Dynavector.

Where's Joe?!! :hi:

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Originally Posted by dlb2

...what I need is to sell my Avid TT/SME309/Dynavector.

Where's Joe?!! :hi:

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If Mike was local, I'd really consider it. :(

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/attach...3&d=1367640203

Only unbalanced inputs, why not balanced?

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/attach...4&d=1367640230

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/attach...5&d=1367640252

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Originally Posted by joeinid

If Mike was local, I'd really consider it. :(

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Oh please. That is no excuse. I told you I would drive it up for you.

$30k hmmm. that is alot of records!
Will be looking for a gently used one at half that when the ref 20 4-box phono is released ;)

I will wait until they release the Reference Phono Anniversary ... :rolleyes:

No need.
ARC REF PHONO stages use unbalanced inputs because 95% of the phono cables on the market are this way. Then the signal is balanced right away and kept balanced all the way to the outputs. They are true fully balanced units and sound much better with the balanced outputs than the cinch ones.

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Originally Posted by microstrip

I will wait until they release the Reference Phono Anniversary ... :rolleyes:

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Good one !
You 'll have to wait after the REF PHONO 10 SE though :D !

Where's Cyril to help me defend my beloved ARC? :)

Oh screw it.....I'll wait for the PHREF15SE v2 - Anniversary Edition. :)

Mike,
When a company "improves" and modifies its line as fast as ARC has done these late years, it exposes itself to bitterness from his customers.

I love my ARC gear too but at $30k I think they are shrinking their potential market. The ref phono 2se is such a great unit at $12k. I could understand a 2-box ref phono that is outstanding finding a customer base at $20k but that's just my 2cents. In that range, there is also the fully modded Tron Seven GT version ($18K) which I've heard and which is outstanding. Will be very interested to hear how the lucky early adopters compare this new ARC offering to the ref phono 2se.

I will wait for a review before jumping the upgrade wagon

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Originally Posted by Mike

Where's Cyril to help me defend my beloved ARC? :)

Oh screw it.....I'll wait for the PHREF15SE v2 - Anniversary Edition. :)

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I am waiting for the Ref 10 Anniversarry VSE (Very Special Edition) :D

You are all too mean
:)

Honestly,

Who will put 30k in a phono stage ?
This unit might be terrific but 30k is really a big amount of money for a phono stage.
You need a VERDIER Magnum TT with this one !

I'd like one. I'm not ready yet though. :)

Sure glad I don't have a turntable - this way I'm not at the least tempted

I'm sure it sounds wonderful tho

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Originally Posted by Jerome W

Honestly,

Who will put 30k in a phono stage ?
This unit might be terrific but 30k is really a big amount of money for a phono stage.
You need a VERDIER Magnum TT with this one !

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I'm with you but so many times I said
The same thing and then I jump the
Wagon . Help me control my self
Is so tempting and more when you
have the REF10 already

I love the fact ARC is upgrading products...no bitterness here...new products mean great used prices...I picked up a minty fresh ARC Reference 40 preamp that is the best preamp I have heard in my system especially with my speakers and amp pairing. This week I get the minty fresh ARC Ref 2SE. Best news...The Ref 40 and Ref 2SE are their last Ref preamps (as I understand it) using the Teflon caps. I heard the Teflon cap supply/contacts/cost went sideways, so they needed to design around non-teflon capacitors in the new stuff....good for ARC to find a path that is fabulous with different parts. Even if the new Ref gear is supposed to sound better, I find magic in the Teflon caps that ARC worked carefully to put in their recent offerings.

+1
Of the 5 pieces of ARC that I have owned, only one was bought new. Like you said, as new stuff comes out, there are great used prices :)

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/highend2...o_10_front.jpg

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/highend2...no_10_rear.jpg

At Highend 2013 - why no balanced input?

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Originally Posted by wizard

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/highend2...o_10_front.jpg

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/highend2...no_10_rear.jpg

At Highend 2013 - why no balanced input?

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I don't know of any balanced turntables. All turntables that I know of are RCA outs.

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Originally Posted by Mike

I don't know of any balanced turntables. All turntables that I know of are RCA outs.

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Mike... VPI will sell you a table with XLR connectors.

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Originally Posted by jwhite613

Mike... VPI will sell you a table with XLR connectors.

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Really? Cool!

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Originally Posted by Mike

Really? Cool! I think my Zesto only has RCA inputs.

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Mike... Here you go!

http://www.elusivedisc.com/images/hw-jmwjbx.jpg

No need ,
The output is fully balanced


Sent from my iPhone

Just talked to Jeff. He recommends against balanced phono stages. Single ended is best due to a single ground loop.

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Originally Posted by Mike

Just talked to Jeff. He recommends against balanced phono stages. Single ended is best due to a single ground loop.

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Not so much against Balanced phono stages as long as they are true balanced from input to output.....which means two of everything! You mainly see phono stages designed around single ended circuit and its common to see both XLR and RCA connections on these units!