Audio Research Reference 7 Line-Stage
Reference 7 Line-Stage
Reference, Reimagined
The Reference 7 was created to bring the full measure of Audio Research’s latest work and advancement to a broader expression of the reference preamplifier.
Rather than adapting an existing design, it is derived directly from the same ground-up development that produced the Reference 20. The objective was clear: to carry forward the essential advances of this new platform while delivering a product of exceptional focus, purity, and musical truth.
Shared Foundations
Central to the Reference 7 is the same mechanical architecture that defines the Reference 20.
A multi-metal, layered chassis manages resonance through controlled energy distribution, while custom suspended, mass-loaded circuit boards protect the integrity of the signal path. These are core elements of the design, carried forward to preserve the transparency achieved in the flagship platform.
Second only to the REF20, the result is a level of clarity and spatial resolution sheer presence that meaningfully advances the Reference 7 even beyond the prior flagship model.
Precision and Control
The power supply of the Reference 7 is centered on lowering the noise floor and enhancing long-term stability.
Transitioning to solid-state regulation enables exceptionally low noise and increased reliability while key components, including reference-grade output coupling capacitors derived from the flagship design, ensure that signal purity is maintained throughout.
This careful balance of technologies allows the Reference 7 to deliver extraordinary resolution without sacrificing musical coherence or ease. Rigorous listening and tuning were performed to ensure that REF7 not only resolves detail but renders character that is still supple and textured beyond its predecessor when called for. In short, it must play the music — not just audit the recording. No tradeoffs accepted.
A New Standard
The Reference 7 is not a refinement of what came before - it is a clear step forward.
By applying the lessons and innovations of an entirely new development platform, it surpasses previous reference designs no matter the demands. It stands as a complete and uncompromised realization of modern Audio Research performance.
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Specifications
- Frequency Response
- 13.6Hz to 24kHz at -1dB, 84.5kHz at -3dB
- THD+Noise
- 0.003% Balanced, 0.02% Single Ended
- Gain - Main output
- 12dB Balanced output, 6dB Single Ended output
- Input Impedance
- 50K ohms Balanced, 25K ohms Single Ended
- Output Impedance
- 600 ohms Balanced, 300 ohms Single Ended Main Out200 ohms Balanced, 100 ohms Single Ended Sub Out
- Output Polarity
- Non-inverting
- Tube Complement
- (4)-6H30P dual triodes
- Power Requirements
- 100-135VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50/60Hz) 78 watts maximum.Standby: 4.3 watts.
- Dimensions
- Width 19” (48.26 cm) Height 8 1/8” (20.64 cm)Depth 19 1/16” (48.42 cm) including handles and rear bumpers
- Weight
- 59.5 lbs. (27 kg) Net; 75 lbs. (34 kg) Shipping.
Manufacturer's Description — Audio Research
Reference 7 Line-Stage
Reference, Reimagined
The Reference 7 was created to bring the full measure of Audio Research’s latest work and advancement to a broader expression of the reference preamplifier.
Rather than adapting an existing design, it is derived directly from the same ground-up development that produced the Reference 20. The objective was clear: to carry forward the essential advances of this new platform while delivering a product of exceptional focus, purity, and musical truth.
Shared Foundations
Central to the Reference 7 is the same mechanical architecture that defines the Reference 20.
A multi-metal, layered chassis manages resonance through controlled energy distribution, while custom suspended, mass-loaded circuit boards protect the integrity of the signal path. These are core elements of the design, carried forward to preserve the transparency achieved in the flagship platform.
Second only to the REF20, the result is a level of clarity and spatial resolution sheer presence that meaningfully advances the Reference 7 even beyond the prior flagship model.
Precision and Control
The power supply of the Reference 7 is centered on lowering the noise floor and enhancing long-term stability.
Transitioning to solid-state regulation enables exceptionally low noise and increased reliability while key components, including reference-grade output coupling capacitors derived from the flagship design, ensure that signal purity is maintained throughout.
This careful balance of technologies allows the Reference 7 to deliver extraordinary resolution without sacrificing musical coherence or ease. Rigorous listening and tuning were performed to ensure that REF7 not only resolves detail but renders character that is still supple and textured beyond its predecessor when called for. In short, it must play the music — not just audit the recording. No tradeoffs accepted.
A New Standard
The Reference 7 is not a refinement of what came before - it is a clear step forward.
By applying the lessons and innovations of an entirely new development platform, it surpasses previous reference designs no matter the demands. It stands as a complete and uncompromised realization of modern Audio Research performance.
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- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- 3mA Audio — online and in-store — Houston, Texas, United States (website)
- Absolute Sounds — in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Audible Images — in-store — Melbourne, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
and 94 more verified dealers