$24,000.00 Each

Monoblock Power Amplifier

If you have a trade-in, request Trade-in Price.

 

Product Description

After two years in development, the new Audio Research Reference REF160M Monoblock Power Amplifier is built like no other, looks like no other, and sounds like no other amplifier that you have ever heard, but it is unmistakably Audio Research. It features a refined audio topology with fewer and better components in the signal-path than in previous designs, switchable Ultralinear/Triode operation, proprietary auto-bias, output tube monitoring and protection, an advanced power meter, and much more. This array of features has never been offered before in an Audio Research amplifier.

The designers at Audio Research wanted to create a new style that would complement the look of the REF6 preamp while also featuring a transparent faceplate that allows a view of the glowing KT150 vacuum tubes. While this window allows you to see the output tubes, it also incorporates an innovative dual-layer construction with distinctively etched markings that create an integrated power meter. The power meter’s output-level markings illuminate via hidden LEDs, and the illumination brightness is adjustable.

The Audio Research REF160M includes a sculpted cover with an integrated fan to cool the heat generated by the four (4) KT150 output tubes and two (2) 6H30 driver tubes. Solid-state power regulation was chosen to provide increased efficiency, stability, and reliability. The power supply stage uses a newly developed High Energy Capacity Transformer and a hefty bulk storage-capacity network to provide extremely high current on demand for transient peaks and intense dynamics, as well as for prodigious bass depth and authority.

It is understood that the best path is the shortest path. Audio Research engineers created a new audio circuit topology with the shortest signal path and the fewest components. Those components are not only the best available, many are custom made for Audio Research. Incorporating these quality components is a special 4-layer circuit board that lowers the noise floor to unprecedented levels, and a design which was previously reserved for use in our preamplifiers. The result is a new benchmark in musicality in every criterion of sound quality.

The Audio Research Reference REF160M Monoblock Power Amplifier also features a proprietary auto-bias circuit that works with various tubes types, including 6550, KT88, and KT120, in addition to the supplied KT150 and works constantly to maintain precise bias of the output tubes, while also adjusting for tube wear. There is no need to check or adjust bias ever again.

The new REF160M breaks new ground sonically, aesthetically and operationally, and will be available in Natural (Silver) or Black finishes.

Brand

Audio Research

High definition is the primary goal of all Audio Research products. Ever since founder William Z. Johnson revamped the vacuum-tube design over forty years ago, the company has been at the forefront of audio innovation. Vacuum tube electronics under their watch set the standard for high-end audio and home theater surround sound. Each product is made in its Maple, Grove, Minnesota headquarters with the help of over 50 technical, assembly and support staff.

Experience exceptional audio quality with their line of amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and sources (both digital and analog). All electronics feature vacuum-tube designs as opposed to the low-cost solid-state devices sold by many audio manufacturers. The result is unprecedented audio accuracy to please even the most demanding audiophiles.

The Reference 6SE line-source preamplifier perfectly showcases the company's commitment to quality. The latest chapter in the Reference Series brings the ultimate clarity without distortion or feedback. It features 6H30 tubes in the gain stage, a highly-regulated power supply, and an additional 6550 tube providing vacuum-tube regulation.

You are always in good hands with Audio Research's customer care team. They will repair and restore most products dating back over their 40-year history. In fact, their models are so reliable that they have gained collector status in the audiophile world and have superb resale value.

As a nationally recognized leader in the field of high-end audio and home theater, Overture is a proud dealer of Audio Research components, selling customers the best vacuum tube electronics from Audio Research in Sales Tax Free Delaware. Interested in purchasing a new Audio Research component? You can trade-in any component towards an Audio Research component by filling out Overture's Trade-In Form.