Audio Research LS-2 Tube Preamplifier

The LS-2 is an exceptional new tube preamplifier that embodies the essence of high-performance audio. With a design that features a cathode follower and eliminates any solid-state devices from its signal path, the LS-2 prioritizes purity and authenticity in sound reproduction.

This preamplifier is built on a single gain stage that operates in pure Class-A mode, delivering a warm and rich audio experience without the use of any feedback. The constant current cathode bias further enhances its performance, ensuring stability and consistency in sound quality.

We've seen it, we've heard it, and we approve - mightily! This is not just a new product for Audio Research, this is the reassumption of the role ARC has occupied for decades -  One of the top-flight tube manufacturers of not only America, but the world. 

With a touchscreen interface normally reserved only for the Reference 10 Preamp, the LS2 and LS3 are modern marvels, deserving of all of the excitement they've generated so far, with plenty more to come!

Congratulations to Val, Stephanie, Dave G., Allan H., and ARC team for this triumphant return.

We expect to start shipping in May. Preorder here! 

STEREO LINE STAGE

• 2 X 6H30 tubes (LS-2)
• 4 X SE Inputs
• 2 X Balanced Inputs
• Optional Phono Card: MM/MC
• Optional DAC Card: Optical, Coax, USB
• Card installation performed in seconds
• Touchscreen User Interface
• Remote Control
• Classic ARC Styling
• Hand made at Audio Research in Minnesota
  
  
  

March 20, 2025

55 YEARS

Dear Friends,

As you know, Audio Research has been hard at work the last year. The initiative is bigger than simply the routine introduction of new models. Reemergence as a premier American HiFi Brand has been at the forefront of each of our minds since before the debut of the REF330M. This calls for a more comprehensive product offering to allow clients to enjoy Audio Research for their entire listening lives.

Historically, Audio Research introduced 3 or 4 products a year when it was under different management. This week in Dallas, at the Southwest Audiofest, we will debut 6 new products together to celebrate 55 years of legendary engineering and design. Why would we do this? Certainly 6 new models will overshadow each other’s launches, right?

In this case, the new products all feed into one essential concept: Provide a full brand landscape outside of our Reference range. While we currently offer products below Reference, there is only one offering in each product category. For years, the notion of a $20K amp/preamp stack from ARC has been out of the question. We will restore that here. Through a combination of tube and solid-state models, and by hitting prices at and below $10,000 each, Audio Research offers clients comprehensive choice.

We will be in contact with each of you directly about these new products, but please enjoy this preview of things to come. These will launch into the marketplace around the time of Munich, or even slightly before, as conditions will allow. Our display at Southwest Audiofest is Audio Research’s own space, not directly partnered with a dealer. We will reveal these products to the press there and initiate both coverage and reviews in very short order.  Keep in mind that these products are all proudly Made In The U.S.A. at our Minnesota factory as always. To be clear, what follows are the products being launched this spring…more to come later this year.

Significant investment has been made in the largest and best engineering team in our history, R&D, and materials to realize these results. The next chapter of Audio Research begins this week. Thank you as always for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Allan Haggar and Dave Gordon