Audio Research
Audio Research is the youngest tube maker in the archive, founded in Minneapolis in 1970, and its equipment here is all preamplifiers. Two are SP-3A-1s, one with a black and gold faceplate and wooden case, one silver and described as a factory upgrade. The SP-3 family, released in late 1972, was one of the company's best-selling designs. The third is the LS15, a later line-stage preamplifier with no phono section.
Audio Research preamps tend to survive in good condition because they were bought by careful owners, and original wooden cases, manuals and boxes add noticeably to their value. When buying one, ask about service history and whether tubes have been replaced with the correct types.
The original company profile and the Audio Research maker page cover the company's history and its changes of ownership since 2008.
4 entries
Audio Research
Audio Research LS15 Line-Stage Preamplifier
A line-stage preamp from the company that brought tubes back to high-end audio in the 1970s.
Audio Research
Audio Research SP-3A-1 Preamplifier, Gold Edition
The black-and-gold SP-3A-1, with its original wooden case and manual.
Audio Research
Audio Research SP-3A-1 Preamplifier, Silver Factory Upgrade
A second SP-3A-1, silver-faced and updated by the factory.
Audio Research
Audio Research, Minneapolis
The original company profile, updated with what happened after 2010.