🟦 Audio Research LS28SE

Stereo Preamplifier – Foundation Series

⭐ LS28SE Highlights

• Highly musical tube preamplifier, derived from the know-how of the Reference models.

• Optimized SE version: refined components, increased transparency and reduced noise.

• Exceptional compatibility with a wide range of power amplifiers.

• Wide, precise and immersive soundstage.

• A central model in the Ultimate Sound demonstrations, renowned for its remarkable synergy with Bowers & Wilkins speakers, particularly the 700 S3 and 800 D4 series.

📝 Product presentation

The Audio Research LS28SE is a preamplifier designed to deliver a vibrant, refined, and incredibly natural musicality. This SE version retains the architecture of the original LS28 but incorporates a number of significant improvements: higher-quality internal components, quieter filtering, and overall optimization that results in increased transparency and superior realism.

Thanks to its 6H30 tubes, the LS28SE boasts a balanced sonic signature, featuring an expressive midrange, a spacious soundstage, and highly nuanced reproduction of micro-details. It sits perfectly between the Foundation and Reference series, while offering remarkable versatility with a wide range of amplifiers, both tube and solid-state.

At Son Ultime, the LS28SE is often used in systems featuring Bowers & Wilkins speakers such as the 804 D4, 805 D4, or the 703 S3 and 705 S3. Nicolas appreciates it for its ability to unleash the full musicality and precision of Bowers & Wilkins, bringing a fluidity and sonic coherence that transforms the listening experience.

✔️ Conclusion: His Ultimate Sound

For Nicolas and the Son Ultime team, the LS28SE is one of the most versatile and musical preamplifiers in its range. It pairs perfectly with Bowers & Wilkins speakers, offering a wide soundstage, excellent resolution, and warm musicality. It's an ideal choice for audiophiles who want to enjoy a high-end tube preamplifier without breaking the budget of the Reference models.

📦 Specifications

🔷 Architecture and tubes

• 4 tubes 6H30

• Dual-mono circuit

• Gain: 18 dB

• Bandwidth: 0.7 Hz to 80 kHz

🔷 Connectivity

• 4 RCA inputs

• 4 XLR inputs

• 2 RCA outputs

• 2 XLR outputs

• Home Theater PassThru Entrance

• 12V trigger, RS232

🔷 Performance

• Input impedance: 300 kΩ (balanced), 150 kΩ (RCA)

• Output impedance: 600 Ω (balanced), 300 Ω (RCA)

• Harmonic distortion: < 0.01%

• Reduced noise level SE version

🔷 Food

• High-speed straightening

• SE optimized filtering

• Silent linear power supply

• Power consumption: 120 W

🔷 Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions: 48.3 × 13.4 × 33 cm

• Weight: 7.7 kg