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Item Details Manufactured in 2020 (only 1177 valve hours used) This item is in excellent condition (910) Finish: Silver Serial Number: 52618 Current retail price: 22,998 No original packaging but the remote control andamp; owners manual is included. If you have any questions dont hesitate to reach out to us! Please note: International shipping is available for this item. If you are interested in purchasing this item we ask you to contact us at info@hificonsultants.co.uk with your address details prior to checkout. We will then supply you with a quote to cover the shipping costs and any ... read more
Audio Research's Reference 6SE stands out as a pinnacle tube preamp, lauded for its transparency, dynamic punch, and low-end authority that punches above its single-chassis weight—upgrades over the Ref 6 via premium caps and wiring make it a reference benchmark.
At GBP£10,495 in excellent condition, this sits fair in the typical used market of GBP£9,000–12,000, reflecting its original GBP£17,000–19,500 MSRP and strong demand; not a steal, but reasonable if provenance checks out. Verify tube condition (six 6H30P plus 6550WE)—replacements run GBP£500+—and confirm the original remote, manual, power cord, and upgrade paperwork from ARC, as these boost resale and ensure full functionality. Probe for hum or balance issues from aging caps.
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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