Audio Research
Audio Research Reference 20 Line-Stage Preamplifier
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Audio Research Reference 20 Line-Stage Preamplifier
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Overview
Audio Research Reference 20 Line-Stage Preamplifier
THE NEW REFERENCE
The Audio Research Reference 20 represents a complete rethinking of the line-stage preamplifier. Designed without compromise, every critical element—from the chassis and circuit architecture to the power supply—has been reconsidered around one goal: absolute sonic transparency.
Building on Audio Research's legendary reference designs, the Reference 20 establishes a new benchmark for dimensionality, tonal integrity, timing coherence, and dynamic expression.
ENGINEERED FROM THE GROUND UP
| NEW ARCHITECTURE | PRECISION ISOLATION |
|---|---|
| An entirely new platform designed to address sources of distortion traditionally accepted as unavoidable. | Multi-metal, layered chassis construction controls and disperses resonant energy. |
| RESONANCE CONTROL | LOW-LEVEL DETAIL |
| Custom suspended, mass-loaded circuit boards isolate critical signal paths from mechanical influence. | The mechanical architecture preserves subtle information, spatial cues, and fine musical detail. |
POWER. HARNESSed.
The Reference 20 features a comprehensively redesigned power supply engineered for both performance and reliability.
Advanced regulation and next-generation film capacitors reduce noise on the regulated rails by an order of magnitude. The result is a lower noise floor that allows the Reference 20 to resolve exceptionally fine musical nuances while remaining composed through demanding dynamic passages.
REFERENCE PERFORMANCE — NOW IN ONE CHASSIS
| AUTHORITY | IMPACT |
| Greater composure and control during dynamic extremes. | Powerful, convincing presentation with exceptional scale. |
| RESOLUTION | TRANSPARENCY |
| Retrieves subtle information and the outer envelope of the recording space. | Revealing yet natural, effortless, and unforced. |
The Reference 20 occupies a single chassis, surpassing the performance of its formidable two-chassis predecessor while delivering attributes often associated with the finest power amplifiers: authority, impact, and resolution.
HEAR THE PERFORMANCE. EXPERIENCE THE PRESENCE.
The cumulative effect of the Reference 20's new architecture, resonance control, and power-supply engineering is transformational.
Music emerges with exceptional:
DIMENSIONALITY • TONAL INTEGRITY • TIMING COHERENCE • DYNAMIC EXPRESSION
Rather than simply reproducing the structure of a recording, the Reference 20 is designed to reveal the intent and presence of the performance itself.
KEY FEATURES
| Product | Audio Research Reference 20 |
| Type | Reference Line-Stage Preamplifier |
| Architecture | New-generation line-stage platform |
| Chassis | Single-chassis construction |
| Circuit Isolation | Suspended, mass-loaded circuit boards |
| Chassis Construction | Multi-metal layered architecture |
| Power Supply | Redesigned advanced regulation |
| Capacitors | Next-generation film capacitor technology |
| Design Philosophy | Sonic transparency and resonance control |
THE NEW BENCHMARK
The Reference 20 is more than an evolution of a reference preamplifier. It is a ground-up redefinition of what a high-performance line stage can achieve.
Audio Research Reference 20
The New Reference.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs page to find out more.
Do you price match?
Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.
Where is your showroom?
We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.
Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?
Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.
Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?
Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.
Do you provide support after installation?
Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.