Audio Research LS 2 (1990)
The Audio Research LS 2 is a line-stage preamplifier introduced in 1990. It is a transformer-coupled, all-tube design with three 6922 tubes. Audio Research positioned it as a no-frills, "essentials only" preamp. Audio (October 1991, p.172) described the design mission as building the best line-stage preamplifier possible while skipping the extras, with six sets of line-level inputs and a flexible control set.
The preamp has five line-level inputs, a tape monitor, mono/stereo switching, and mute. There is no phono stage and no remote control. Gain is 12dB, input sensitivity is 1.0V, and maximum output is 10V RMS. Main output impedance is 500 ohms. Frequency response is rated at ±0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. Power consumption is 30W.
The record on the LS 2 is thin in a few places. One source calls the power supply "capacitively coupled" and another calls it "regulated DC." The manufacturer's own history page says regulated DC, so that is the more credible value. No original price, dimensions, or weight are documented. No review or owner commentary beyond the Audio mention above has surfaced. What preceded or succeeded the model in the Audio Research lineup is also unrecorded.
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