Ref Phono 10 Review

[Number95]

Finally Ref 10 review appeared in TAS April by Jonathan Valin. If he is right (a big if) there is a clear performance gap between Ref 10 and already excellent Ref 2 SE. Price gap dictates that but I still wonder how much better. Sonics aside, same inputs and gain compared to Ref 2 SE. I wish ARC added a third input or a different gain setting (as a third option).
Anyone here who made a hearing of both units side by side and compare these two (Ref ph 10 vs 2 se)?

Lol, I knew Valin would get his hands on it as soon as ARC would let him at it Should be a nice piece

[jdandy]

$30,000.00 preamp.






$30,000.00 phono stage preamp.

[jax4736]

Isn't he reviewing the Reference 10 preamp soon?

[analog brother]

reviewed together

[Number95]

Originally Posted by jdandy

$30,000.00 preamp.






$30,000.00 phono stage preamp.

Much cheaper than VAC Reference phono preamp btw

[dkrm]

I must say I am attracted by Ref Phono 10. Even without listening to it.

[Number95]

Originally Posted by dkrm

I must say I am attracted by Ref Phono 10. Even without listening to it.

I should say after getting my Ref 10 preamp and compared it to Ref 3 and then Ref 5 SE, it justified its price and space for me. I have no doubt a seperate power supply with higher power reserves should make Ref 10 phono a better phono pre compared to Ref 2 SE, but I would be listening to them both before making a decision. Not because which is better but if the price gap is worth or not.

[dkrm]

Has anyone here actually owned Ref Phono 10? What is your experience

[SOA]

Here is a link to the JV review:

Audio Research Reference Phono 10 Phono Preamplifier | The Absolute Sound