Audio Research LS26 Preamplifier - Consignment

Audio Research LS26 Preamplifier - Consignment

Condition: Good, some marks (see photos)

Accessories: Remote Control, Original Manual (No Box)

SN: 17403601  

Overview

Based on the success of the still revered REF3 model, the LS26 was marketed as a more price conscious offering, while taking full advantage of the technology and features that made the REF3 so popular. 

The press release from Audio Research states the LS26 outperforms the well regarded REF2Mk2, and the technology included and attention to detail in the manufacturing process support the suggestion! 

The most common reference to the preamplifier is that is it beyond quiet, toneless, and uncoloured at any operating output. For fans of passive preamplifiers, this unit could spend many a year on your rack, making any changes to power amplifiers or ancillary equipment obvious.

• Hybrid circuit with 6H30 triode tubes for gain
• Solid-state regulated power supply
• Selectable gain settings per input
• High-resolution 104-step volume control
• Fully balanced circuit with both XLR and RCA inputs and outputs
• Frequency response to 160kHz
• Zero-feedback Class-A design 
• Microprocessor for storing settings like gain, input type, and tube hours

Specification

Frequency response: +0-3db, 0.2hz to 160khz at rated output (balanced, 200k ohms load)
Distortion: less than .01% at 2v rms bal output.
Gain: main output : selectable for each input: 24db, 18db, 12db balanced
Output. (18db, 12db, 6db se ouput.) Record output: 0db (processor input:
0db balanced.)
Input impedance: 120k ohms balanced, 60k ohms se . Inputs (8):
Tuner, phono, cd, video, aux 1, aux 2, monitor, processor (xlr and rca connectors).
Output impedance: 700 ohms balanced, 350 ohms se main (2). 20k
Ohms minimum load and 2000pf maximum capacitance. Outputs (3): 2
Main, 1 record (xlr and rca connectors).
Output polarity: non-inverting.
Maximum input: low gain: 48v rms bal, 24v rms se, medium gain: 24v rms bal, 12v rms se, high gain: 12v rms bal, 6v rms se.
Rated outputs: 2v rms 1hz to 100khz into 200k ohm balanced load
(maximum balanced output capability is 15v rms at less than 0.5% thd at 1khz)
Controls: rotary volume selector (104 steps) and rotary input selector.
Push buttons: power, monitor, bal/se, proc, mute. Also remote buttons:
Display, bal l, bal r, hours, invert, gain.
Power supplies: electronically-regulated low and high voltage
Supplies. Automatic 50 sec. Warm-up/brown-out mute. Line regulation better than .01%.
Noise: 1.3uv rms residual ihf weighted balanced equivalent input
Noise with volume at 1 (100 db below 2v rms output).
Tube complement:2-6h30 dual triode. (hybrid jfet/tube audio circuit, solid-state power supply).
Power requirements:105-130vac 60hz (210-260vac 50/60hz) 50 Watts maximum.
Dimensions: 19" (48 cm) w x 5.25"(13.4 cm) h (standard rack panel) x
12"(30.5 cm) d. Handles extend 1.50" (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.
Weight: 7.5 kg