Audio Research Reference 150 stereo amp black - mint customer trade-in

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Mint customer trade-in
Audio Research Reference 150 stereo amplifier black

Great condition, original packaging. 

The REF150 is a fully-balanced design, so its inputs are balanced XLR only. It has a 20-amp IEC power connector, 4-8-16 ohm output taps and 12V triggers arrayed on the rear panel. Under the top cover there are a number of circuit enhancements resulting in stunningly improved performance.

First, power-supply energy storage has been doubled to some 1040 joules. All-new interstage coupling capacitors using technology and materials first incorporated in our Anniversary Edition preamplifier effortlessly link input stage to output stage, which is powered by two matched quads of Russian KT120 output tubes driven by 6H30 twin triodes. There is more than ample multistage solid-state regulation. Output stage coupling is a combination of “ultralinear” and Audio Research’s patented “partially cathode-coupled” topology, which is superior to conventional pentode or triode operation.

Larger, wide-bandwidth output transformers handle the greater output with ease. Power output is rated at 150 WPC into 4-, 8- or 16-ohm speaker loads. Each channel is very quietly fan-cooled using new low-turbulence intakes, with three selectable fan speeds. Internally there is a small LCD display that indicates tube hours.

With all of these changes one would logically expect enhanced performance. But it is fair to say you will be shocked by the amount of improvement you hear from the REF150 when compared to its predecessor. Those familiar with the boundary-extending performance of the Anniversary Preamplifier will hear similar qualities from the REF150.

The immediate impression conveys much greater speed, power and control compared to any other tube power amplifier you can think of. Bass extension, harmonic delineation and speaker driver control are the best ever to come from an Audio Research tube amplifier, regardless of power output – and that is saying something. The REF150 does not drive a loudspeaker so much as it dominates it and brings to life what any speaker is truly capable of. Paired with capable front-end components and good cabling, the results are nothing short of a revelation. You will hear inner harmonic structure and dynamic realism that simply were not present before, within an envelope of air and spatial cues that let you know that you are hearing everything that the recording has to offer.

Specifications
Description: Tubed stereo power amplifier. Tube complement: eight KT120 (matched pairs, output), four 6H30 (driver). Input: Balanced, pin 2+ (IEC-268). Output taps: 16, 8, 4 ohms. Power output: 150Wpc (21.75dBW) continuous, 20Hz–20kHz into matched load. Approximate actual power available at clipping: 160W. Power bandwidth: 5Hz–80kHz, –3dB. Frequency response: 0.5Hz–120kHz, –3dB at 1W. THD at 1kHz: typically 0.6% at 150W, <0.03% at 1W. Input sensitivity: 2.0V RMS for rated output, Voltage gain: 24dB into 8 ohms. Input impedance: 300k ohms, balanced. Output polarity: non-inverting. Output regulation: approx. 0.6dB 16 ohm load to open circuit (damping factor: approx. 14). Overall negative feedback: 14dB. Slew rate: 13V/µs. Risetime: 2.0µs. Hum and noise: <0.1mV RMS, 114dB below rated output (IHF weighted, input shorted). Power-supply energy storage: approx. 1040 joules. Power requirements: 105–125VAC, 730W at rated output, 900W maximum, 420W idle.
Dimensions: 19" (483mm) W by 8.75" (222mm) H by 19.5" (495mm) D. Front-panel handles extend 1.5" (38mm). Weight: 75 lbs (34.2kg) net, 90 lbs (41kg) shipping.
Finishes: Silver, Black.