Audio Research LS-3 Preamplifier

Fully Dual-Mono Solid-State Design With Balanced JFET Inputs, Class-A Outputs, and Touch-Screen Control

Inspired by the original LS3 line stage introduced in 1992, the Audio Research LS-3 is a modern solid-state preamplifier built around a fully balanced differential JFET input stage, bipolar transistor voltage amplification, and class-A output stages. It brings Audio Research's current solid-state engineering to a dedicated line-stage design while retaining the company's recognizable visual identity.

The LS-3 uses a fully dual-mono signal path with separate power transformers for the two channels. Linear power supplies and a zero-gain cascaded voltage reference support the low-noise circuitry, while balanced and single-ended connections make the LS-3 straightforward to integrate into a wide range of systems.

Modern Control and Display

An all-new touch-screen display provides access to functions including input naming, display-intensity adjustment, and selectable display colors. Its typography draws on the appearance of Audio Research's Reference GhostMeters, giving the LS-3 a contemporary interface that remains visually connected to the company's current components.

All-Aluminum Chassis

The LS-3 shares its all-aluminum chassis with the tube-based LS-2. Audio Research designed the enclosure for the stability and rigidity needed to isolate the internal circuitry, combining the company's traditional proportions with a cleaner, more modern appearance.

Features

• Fully balanced differential JFET input stage
• Bipolar transistor-based voltage amplifier
• Class-A output stages
• Fully dual-mono signal path
• Separate power transformers for each channel
• Linear power supplies
• Zero-gain cascaded voltage reference
• Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connectivity
• Touch-screen display with input naming, intensity adjustment, and selectable colors
• All-aluminum chassis
• User-installable optional DAC card with USB, coaxial, and optical inputs
• User-installable optional MM/MC phono card

Specifications

Frequency Response: ±0 dB, 10 Hz–40 kHz at rated output (balanced, 100k-ohm load)

THD + Noise: Less than 0.007% at 2 V RMS balanced output

Noise: -75 dBV at maximum volume (99)

Crosstalk: -82 dB

Gain: 20 dB balanced output; 20 dB single-ended output

Input Impedance: 25k ohms balanced and single-ended

Output Impedance: 10 ohms balanced; 25 ohms single-ended

Output Polarity: Balanced: non-inverting; single-ended: inverting

Power Requirements: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 35 W maximum

Standby Power: 4.2 W

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7" x 19" x 17.5" (17.78 x 48.26 x 44.45 cm)

Shipping Weight: 48 lb. (21.8 kg)

Weight: 33 lb. (15 kg)