Audio Research Reference 160M

£17,998.00

The Audio Research Reference 160M Mono-block Power Amplifier is built like no other, looks like no other, and sounds like no other amplifier that you have ever heard

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SKU: Audio Research Reference 160M Category: Tags: , , ,
Audio Research Reference 160M
After two years in development, the Audio Research Reference 160M (REF160M) Mono-block 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.
Audio Research Reference 160M Silver

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 SE preamp while also featuring a GhostMeter™ that allows a view of the glowing KT150 vacuum tubes.

While this GhostMeter™ 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 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 their preamplifiers.

The result is a new benchmark in musicality in every criterion of sound quality.

The Audio Research Reference 160Malso 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 is be available in Natural (Silver) or Black finish on special order.

Specifications Audio Research Reference 160M

Specifications Audio Research Reference 160M

POWER OUTPUT

140 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% at
140 watts, below 0.04% at 1 watt. (Note that actual power output is dependent upon
both line voltage and “condition” i.e.: if power line has high distortion, maximum power
will be affected adversely, although from a listening standpoint this is not critical).

POWER BANDWIDTH

(-3dB Points) 5Hz to 70kHz.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 110kHz.

INPUT SENSITIVITY

2.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms).

INPUT IMPEDANCE

200 k ohms Balanced.

OUTPUT POLARITY

Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268).

OUTPUT TAPS

16 ohms, 8 ohms, 4 ohms.

OUTPUT REGULATION

Approximately 0.6dB 16 OHM LOAD TO OPEN CIRCUIT (Damping factor
approximately 14).

OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

14dB SLEW RATE: 13 volts/microsecond RISE TIME: 2.0 microseconds.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 400 watts at rated output, 700 watts maximum,
260 watts at “idle”, 1 watt off.

TUBES REQUIRED

2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 2 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6).

DIMENSIONS

Width 17.25” (43.8 cm)
Height 10” (25.4 cm)
Depth 18.5” (47 cm)
Handles Extended 19.25” (48.9 cm)

WEIGHT

56lbs (25.5 kg) Net
73lbs (33.2 kg) Shipping

Brand

Audio Research

Audio Research

The state-of-the-Art in music reproduction

Audio Research is one of the oldest continually operating manufacturers in American audio. The company was founded in 1970 in Minneapolis with one goal in mind: to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Today, Audio Research remains a performance-oriented company by philosophy and design. New product introductions are driven only by genuine advances in technology and performance — the HIGH DEFINITION that is the hallmark of the company’s products. The company occupies a 48,000 square-foot, technically-advanced production plant and administrative headquarters in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where approximately 50 technical, assembly and support staff guide the product line from concept to finished goods.

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