Audio Research Reference 160M Mk II Mono Amplifier

Audio Research Reference 160M Mono Amplifier

Audio Research Reference 160M Mk II Mono Amplifier

Name: Audio Research Reference 160M Mk II Mono Amplifier
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: ARREF160M
Price: 37000.00 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

$37,000.00

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After two years in development, the new Reference 160M MkII (REF 160M MkII) 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.

Price is for a pair of 160M MkII Mono amplifiers.

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Specifications

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 SENSITIVITY2.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms).

INPUT IMPEDANCE200K ohms Balanced

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

OUTPUT TAPS16 ohms, 8 ohms, 4 ohms

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

OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK14dB

SLEW RATE13 volts/microsecond

RISE TIME2.0 microseconds

POWER REQUIREMENTS105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 400 watts at rated output, 700 watts maximum,
260 watts at “idle”, 1 watt off.

TUBES REQUIRED2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 2 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6).

DIMENSIONWidth 43.8 cm
Height 25.4 cm
Depth 47 cm
Handles Extended 48.9 cm

WEIGHT25.5 kg Net
33.2 kg Shipping

This is a rare jewel; one of the best ever!

StereoNET

The designers at Audio Research wanted to create a new style that would complement the look of the REF6 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 our preamplifiers. The result is a new benchmark in musicality in every criterion of sound quality.

The REF160M 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.

Who is this for?

The Reference 160M Mk II is designed for the discerning audiophile who has spent years refining their system and knows exactly what they're listening for. You've likely experimented with various amplification topologies, understand the particular magic of tubes, and recognize that the final leap toward reference-grade performance requires components that can disappear entirely while revealing every nuance of the recording. This is not an amplifier for someone just beginning their journey—it's for the listener who has arrived.

These monoblocks are ideally suited to medium and large listening rooms where you need both authority and finesse to properly energize the space. With 150 watts of pure tube power per channel, the Reference 160M Mk II will effortlessly drive speakers with sensitivity ratings from 87dB and up, though they truly shine with high-quality full-range or moderately inefficient designs that benefit from the combination of substantial power reserves and tube refinement. If your room is 250 square feet or larger and your speakers demand both delicacy and control, these amplifiers will fill that space with a soundstage that extends well beyond the physical boundaries of your walls.

This is the amplifier you place at the heart of a no-compromise reference system, paired with a preamplifier of equal caliber—perhaps the Audio Research Reference 6 or 6SE—and source components that can deliver the resolution these monoblocks will faithfully reproduce. You've already invested in speakers capable of revealing what exceptional amplification can do, and you understand that the Reference 160M Mk II represents the foundation upon which an extraordinary listening experience is built.

Indeed, there is something that tubes bring to the table with recorded music that is absolutely moreish. Instruments like pianos and acoustic guitars seem to sound more alive and real, and electric guitars shine and shimmer in a magical way. This preamp had me running the gamut of my music collection, looking for tracks it would really show off – and it drew me back to many a past favourite album along the way.

I’ve played with a number of Audio Research amps over the years, many of which have been some of the most memorable musical experiences I’ve had, but I can’t shake the notion that this is the best of them. It’s so musically faithful yet so musically entertaining and enjoyable, this takes the already high standards of Audio Research and raises them to new levels. It delivers grace, space, and no small dose of pace, too. This is a rare jewel; one of the best ever!

the Audio Research Ref 6 SE is close to a “straight wire with gain” and thus an excellent candidate for you if your surrounding equipment is or will be of sufficient quality.