Preface
Please take time to carefully read and understand the
following instructions before you install or attempt
to operate your Audio Research Reference 3 stereo pre-
amplifier. Becoming familiar with the product and its
correct operating procedures will help assure you of maxi-
mum musical enjoyment and reliable operation. The effort
you invest now will be well rewarded in the years ahead.
Warnings
1.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this
product to rain or moisture.
2.
This unit operates on voltages which can cause serious
injury or death. Do not operate with covers removed.
Any necessary servicing should be carried out by your
authorized Audio Research dealer or other qualified
electronics technician.
3.
The power cord on this unit is safety-tested and is
equipped with a proper grounding plug. If used normally,
it will provide a safe earth ground connection of the
chassis. Defeat of the grounding plug or replacement
of the plug or power cord, or any unauthorized modifi-
cation of the active circuitry or controls of this unit,
automatically voids warranty coverage, and could cause
injury or death.
4.
For safe operation and protection against fire hazard,
replace fuses only with those of the same type and
rating as those supplied with this unit.
Packaging
Save all packaging accompanying this product. You have
purchased a precision electronic instrument, and it should
be properly cartoned any time shipment becomes neces-
sary. It is very possible that this unit could be damaged
during shipment if repackaged in cartoning other than that
designed for it. The original packaging materials help
protect your investment from unnecessary damage, delay
and added expense whenever shipment of this unit is
required.
Description of Controls
F ront Panel Rotary Contro l s
The Reference 3 has two microprocessor-driven rotary
controls.
The rotary control on the left adjusts Volume (output level)
up or down for both R and L channels. Volume control is
also selectable via Vol DN and Vol UP buttons on the
remote control. Volume adjustment is indicated in the
display window by both a bar graph with marker and by
numeric digits on 0 –103 scale.
Do not turn volume up beyond normal listening levels
when “mute” is engaged to avoid unexpected or possibly
damaging sound levels. Reduce volume level whenever
changing input sources, even when muted.
The rotary control (on the right ) selects any of seven input
sources connected to the preamp: CD, Tuner, Phono, Video,
Aux 1, Aux 2, and Processor. Each of these sources may
also be selected via direct access buttons on the remote
control. The selected source is indicated in the display
window.
F ront Panel and Reference 3R Remote
C o n t rol Buttons
POWER ON/OFF:
Supplies power from A.C. wall outlet to
preamp; indicated by active display window. Function
also on remote control.
For approximately 40 seconds after start up, “Mute”
appears in the display window and flashes until the auto-
matic muting cycle is completed. This also occurs in the
event of power interruption. Upon completing the cycle,
“Mute” will cease flashing. The preamp will remain muted
until normal operation is selected by pressing the “Mute”
button.
MUTE
: When activated, electrically mutes all output of the
preamplifier; indicated by “Mute” in display window. This
control should be activated before switching inputs, chang-
ing connections or shutting down your audio system to
help protect your amplifier and speakers from unexpected
signal pulses. When deactivated, “Mute” disappears from
the display window allowing normal operation. Function
also on remote control.
The Reference 3 also has automatic muting to help protect
system components during A.C. power interruptions or low
line voltage. When sensing these conditions, the preamp
automatically goes into “Mute” and disables all outputs.
The 40-second warm-up timer will restart and “Mute” will
flash in the display window when normal power condi-
tions have been restored.
Note that automatic muting is only designed to protect
against power line interruptions or severe voltage drop.
It will not mute in the event of subsonic transmissions
from a faulty input source, amplifier failure or speaker
malfunction.
PROCESSOR (PROC):
May be selected by button on front
panel or on remote control. Selects external A-V (home
theater) processor as input source and controller of volume
level for R and L channels. Reference 3 provides Unity Gain
when this input is selected.
Model Reference 3
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