Audio Research LS7 Line Stage Tube Preamplifier

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Great simple and well performing tube line stage from ARC.

Hard to beat at this price.

Tested, lightly serviced, and working properly throughout.

We also have several ARC tube amps that would pair well with this pre. Please inquire.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

More from Audio Research:
If you appreciate the natural-sounding reproduction of music made possible by vacuum-tube technology, but were afraid of the hassles and the prohibitive pricehave we got news for you. Audio Research, the 25- year leader in vacuum-tube technology dedicated to music reproduction, has made a vacuum-tube music system more affordable than ever. It's the New LS7 stereo line preamplifier and VT60 stereo power amplifier, both featuring new, all-tube circuits that deliver rich, satisfying sound and world-renowned Audio Research construction. Two down-to-earth audio components that are capable of truly out-of-this-world performance.

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

Details and Specifications:
PRODUCTION START:
1995

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
± .5dB, 1.0Hz to 100kHz
-3dB points below 0.1Hz and above 300kHz

DISTORTION (THD)
Less than .01% at 2V RMS output
(Typically .005% in midband)

NOISE & HUM
15µV RMS maximum IHF weighted noise at main output with gain control minimum (more than 102dB below 2V RMS output)

GAIN
Main output - 13dB unbalanced
Tape output - 0dB

INPUT IMPEDANCE
100K ohms

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
200 ohms main output
Recommended load 60K ohms and 100pF (20K ohms minimum and 1000pF maximum)

MAXIMUM INPUTS
20V maximum

RATED OUTPUTS
2V RMS 1Hz to 100kHz, all outputs, 60K ohm load (maximum output 25V RMS at 1/2% THD into 100K ohms)

POWER SUPPLIES
Electronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies
Line regulation better than .01%

TUBE COMPLEMENT
(4) 6922/E88CC

POWER REQUIREMENTS
100-135VAC 60Hz (200-270VAC 50/60Hz) 130 watts minimum

OTHER
Inputs (5): tape, tuner, CD, video, aux
Controls: Gain, input selector
Toggle switches: power/off, mute/operate

DIMENSIONS
19" (48 cm) W
5-1/2" (13.4 cm) H (standard rack panel)
10-1/4" (26 cm) D
Handles extend 1 ½" (3.8 cm) forward of front panel
Rear chassis fittings extend ½" (1.3 cm)

WEIGHT
9.8 lbs. (4.5 kg) Net
18.8 lbs. (8.5 kg) Shipping.

Audio Research LS7 Line Stage Tube Preamplifier - Owner's Manual