Audio Research has added the LS-2 preamplifier and S-200 power amplifier to its product line, presenting the pair as a focused two-box solution that modernizes the company’s styling while keeping a traditional, high-end feature set.
What the combination offers
The company positions the LS-2/S-200 pairing as an entry-level rung within its amplification ladder while retaining options typically expected in the high-end market. The LS-2 is a line-level preamplifier that provides six inputs, including two balanced XLR inputs, and balanced and single-ended outputs. The S-200 is a solid-state power amplifier rated at 200W per channel.
- LS-2 preamp: six inputs (four unbalanced RCA, two balanced XLR), balanced and single-ended outputs; modular expansion available.
- S-200 power amp: 200W per channel output.
- Optional modules: an add-on phono board and additional DAC/feature modules are offered to expand functionality.
Price and optional upgrades
Audio Research lists the LS-2 preamp price in multiple currencies in its published specifications: £8,298 / US$9,950 / AU$16,995. The company also offers a plug-in phono module for the LS-2, priced at £1,000 / $1,000 / AU$1,595, which supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges and offers selectable gain and adjustable MC loading options.
| Manufacturer | Model | Key specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Research | LS-2 | Line-level preamp; 6 inputs (4 RCA, 2 XLR); balanced & single-ended outputs; modular phono option | £8,298 / US$9,950 / AU$16,995 |
| Audio Research | S-200 | Power amplifier; 200W per channel | — (sold as power amp partner) |
Audio Research also offers a phono module for the LS-2 that supports MM and MC cartridges, with selectable gain of 42 or 62 dB and adjustable MC loading from 50 to 1,000 ohms, priced at £1,000 / $1,000 / AU$1,595.
Editorial context and positioning
In its evaluation, What Hi-Fi? described the LS-2/S-200 combination as retaining a reassuringly familiar character despite modernized styling, and said the pair should “slot into a wide range of systems with ease.” The reviewer highlighted the LS-2’s fluid and insightful preamplifier performance and the S-200’s ample power, while noting the power amplifier “lacks a little sonic finesse and verve.”
“Despite obvious modernisation, there is something reassuringly familiar about Audio Research’s new LS-2/S-200 pre/power pairing.” — What Hi-Fi?
The company’s modular approach—offering optional boards to add phono capability and other functions—reflects Audio Research’s strategy to provide a base architecture that can be upgraded to suit different system requirements. The phono board pricing and the availability of balanced connections indicate the LS-2 is aimed at buyers integrating classic analog sources alongside modern line-level components.
Audio integrators and dealers working in high-end residential installations should note the published pricing and the modular upgrade path when specifying systems that require phono support or balanced connectivity. The LS-2/S-200 is described as an early rung in Audio Research’s amplification range, which may influence how dealers position it against higher-tier models in the brand’s lineup.
