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Angeboten wird „Reference 6 SE“ von Audio Research als Gebrauchtgerät aus der Kategorie „Röhren-Vorverstärker“ bei audio-markt.de - dem Online-Marktplatz für High-End. Das Inserat mit der Nummer 7699489772 endet am 22.09.2026 um 06:09 Uhr.
At €13,950, this Audio Research Reference 6SE sits just above the 75th percentile (€13,772) of recent EUR listings, making it ambitious but not outrageous compared to alternatives like the Reference 80S or newer solid-state rivals that often exceed €15k. It’s a hair above the median (€11,348), so it’s fair only if the condition is truly pristine and original-owner, not a deal.
The Ref 6SE is revered for its fully balanced, class-A, zero-feedback design that delivers transparent, dynamic sound with three 6H30 tubes per channel and a massive 103-step volume control. Its upside lies in rarity, original ARC build quality, and the fact that current owners can upgrade older Ref 6s to this SE spec for $3,000—making this a clean, well-regarded preamp worth considering if the €13,950 price reflects top-tier, untouched condition with all accessories intact.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio Research Corporation, founded in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by William Z. Johnson, traces its roots to his pioneering work in custom audio electronics during the 1950s and his operation of a specialty retail store through the mid-1960s. After a brief stint selling his designs to a larger firm, Johnson regained independence to establish ARC with a singular mission: advancing the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. From modest beginnings in the back of his shop, the company evolved into one of America's oldest continuously operating high-end audio manufacturers, now housed in a state-of-the-art 48,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
ARC specializes in performance-driven electronics, renowned for vacuum-tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and electronic crossovers that emphasize sonic purity over flashy features or aesthetics. Drawing on circuit designs rooted in the 1950s, the brand integrates tubes into modern contexts, delivering what it calls "high definition" sound through genuine technological advances. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, ARC's focused lineup prioritizes amplifiers and preamps that set benchmarks for musical realism.
Positioned at the pinnacle of high-end audio, Audio Research is hailed as a true originator of the genre, commanding respect among audiophiles for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Enduring the 1970s tube revival against solid-state dominance, ARC thrives via elite specialist retailers worldwide, standing alongside peers like Conrad-Johnson as a vintage-inspired yet forward-thinking force in the niche boutique market.
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