The I/50 Integrated Amplifier is the first product in an all-new series from Audio Research. Functionally simple, visually engaging, and musically sublime - the I/50 takes music listening to a whole new experience. Hand-crafted in Minnesota, the I/50 is built with the same attention to detail as all other Audio Research products - each one even gets its own listening test with sonic designer, Warren Gehl.
Available in six colors, the I/50 features Cerakote finishes for a beautiful and long-lasting look. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules - a Phono Stage, and a D/A Converter (to come in 2022). The high current, 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of speakers. A headphone jack allows for personal listening time.
The performance of the I/50 belies its compact design. Designed by the Audio Research engineering team and fine-tuned by our sonic designer, the I/50 has been given the same level of care and attention as our Reference Series products.
The I/50 is designed to be easy to use, and has three controls on its top panel - power, Input, and Volume. Two LexieTubes® provide display information for input selection and volume. Two matched pairs of 6550WE vacuum tubes, along with three 6922 tubes, stand in front of the perforated transformer cover. Three single-ended inputs and one XLR input provide connectivity for most systems, along with 4- and 8- Ohm speaker taps to accommodate your speaker of choice. One input can be assigned for pass-through function. A full-function metal remote control provides further functionality and operation. An optional tube cage will be available.
Power Output: 50 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% per channel, below 0.1% at 1 watt
Power Bandwidth: (-3dB points) 10Hz to 22kHz
Frequency Response: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 7Hz to 30kHz
Input Sensitivity: 1.25V RMS for rated output.
Input Impedance: 100K ohms Balanced, 48K ohms Single Ended
Output Polarity: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)
Output Taps: 8 ohms, 4 ohms
Power Requirements: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 252 watts at rated output.
Tubes Required: 2 matched pair 6550WE; 3-6922 (1 input, 2 driver).
Dimensions: Width 16.5” (42 cm) Height 7.25” (18 cm) Depth 13.5” (34 cm)
Weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg); 51 lbs (23.1kg) shipping weight.
The overture to Puccini’s La Boheme floats effortlessly out into space, and when the bigger strings come in, you can feel it vibrate in the sofa. At the same time, the strings sound weightless, resolved and open. I was a little surprised at how well the amp managed to keep a grip on the dynamics when playing loud. 50 watts isn’t a lot, but it’s clear that Audio Research has given the amp a power supply that doesn’t easily run out of power. more...
It’s probably no surprise that I’m deeply impressed by the Audio Research I/50 integrated amp. It’s an amplifier that anyone could live with and enjoy. more...
It is the perfect amplifier for use in a relatively small room with a high-quality source and speakers. The I/50 has a touch of that "tube magic" but without going whole hog, as so many of the current crop of tubed amplifiers do. more...