Audio Research Reference 160M MkII Mono Power Amplifier

Code: AR-R-160MMkII

£22,000.00
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Please Note: This item cannot be ordered online. If you are interested, please click on the 'Enquire' button above. This is priced each, not per pair.

The Reference 160M MkII (REF 160M MkII) Monoblock Power Amplifier is a unique creation that has been in development for two years. It has a distinctive design, unparalleled sound quality, and is unmistakably Audio Research. The refined audio topology has fewer and better components in the signal-path as compared to previous designs. The amplifier offers switchable Ultralinear/Triode operation, proprietary auto-bias, output tube monitoring and protection, an advanced power meter, and much more - a combination of features that has never been seen before in an Audio Research amplifier.

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Product Description
Product Specifications
Delivery

The Audio Research design team aimed to create a fresh style that complements the REF6 preamp's appearance while also showcasing the glowing KT150 vacuum tubes through the innovative GhostMeter™. This GhostMeter™ not only displays output tubes but also features a dual-layer construction with etched markings to serve as an integrated power meter. The power meter markings light up via hidden LEDs, and the brightness can be adjusted as per the user's preference. The REF 160M MkII comes with a sculpted cover that includes an integrated fan to keep the four (4) KT150 output tubes and two (2) 6H30 driver tubes cool. The engineers opted for solid-state power regulation to provide high efficiency, stability, and reliability. The power supply stage comprises a newly developed High Energy Capacity Transformer and a bulky storage-capacity network to deliver high current on demand for transient peaks, dynamic sounds, and bass depth.

The Audio Research engineers took the shortest path to the best performance, creating a new audio circuit topology that has the shortest signal path with the least number of components. The components are among the best available, with many specially customised for Audio Research. These quality components are integrated into a four-layer circuit board that reduces noise levels significantly, a design reserved for the preamplifiers. The output is a new standard in musicality in every aspect of sound quality.

The proprietary auto-bias circuit in the REF 160M MkII is another feature worth mentioning. It works with several tube types, including 6550, KT88, and KT120, in addition to the KT150 supplied, and consistently maintains precise bias of the output tubes, while also adjusting for tube wear. The user never again needs to check or adjust the bias.

In terms of operation, aesthetics, and sound quality, the new REF 160M MkII sets a new standard and comes in Natural (Silver) or Black finishes.

Amplifier Specifications:

Frequency response	(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 110kHz.
Input impedance	200 k ohms Balanced.
Tubes	2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 2 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6).
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).
Input sensitivity	2.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms).
Mains Supply	105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 400 watts at rated output, 700 watts maximum, 260 watts at “idle”, 1 watt off.
Weight	25.5kg
Dimensions	254mm x 438mm x 470mm ( H x W x D)

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UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge. Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders:

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

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