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At US$1,150, this Audio Research LP1 phono preamp is a strong bargain, sitting well below its typical used market range of roughly US$1,400 to US$1,800. The LP1 originally retailed for US$2,200, and current secondary listings rarely dip below US$1,400, making this asking price a clear entry-point opportunity for a high-quality tube phono stage.
This unit is well-regarded for its hybrid design—one 6H30 tube paired with low-noise JFETs—that delivers 47dB of gain and exceptional transparency for moving-magnet and high-output moving-coil cartridges. Its RIAA accuracy stays within ±0.3dB from 10Hz to 20kHz, and distortion remains under 0.019%, offering audiophile-grade performance at an accessible price. For a fellow enthusiast, this is a rare chance to own a refined, Minnesota-built phono stage without the usual premium.
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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audio-markt.de
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Paragon Sight & Sound
Dealer
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SE
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