AUDIO RESEARCH REFERENCE 160M

Audio Research has released its Reference 160M Vacuum Tube Monaural power amplifier. It uses a new audio topology for Audio Research, with fewer and better components in the signal-path than in previous designs, switchable ultralinear/triode operation, proprietary auto-bias, and output tube monitoring and protection. ‘ The array of features fitted to the new Ref 160M has never been offered before in any Audio Research amplifier,’ said Philip Sawyer, of Synergy Audio Visual, which distributes Audio Research in Australia. ‘ The designers at Audio Research have created a new style that features a transparent faceplate that allows you to see the KT150 vacuum tubes while integrated into that faceplate is an innovative power meter whose outputlevel markings are illuminated by hidden LEDs.’

The four KT150 power tubes are automatically and continuously biased using Audio Research’s proprietary auto-bias circuit, which is flexible enough to allow you to substitute KT88 or KT120 valves. The driver tubes are 6H30s. The power supply uses solid-state power regulation. ‘ The best circuit path is a short path,’ says Sawyer, ‘ so Audio Research engineers created a new audio circuit topology with the shortest signal path and the fewest components, all of which are incorporated on a special four-layer circuit board that lowers the noise floor to unprecedented levels.’

‘The result is a new benchmark in musicality in every criterion of sound quality,’ Sawyer told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine.

The Ref 160M is rated at 140-watts continuous, with less than 1.0% THD at rated output and less than 0.04% THD at 1 watt. The frequency response is 0.5Hz to 110kHz –3dB and the power bandwidth is 5Hz to 70kHz –3dB. Available in silver and black finishes, the Audio Research Reference M 160 monobloc power amplifiers will retail for $49,990 per pair. For more information, contact Synergy Audio Visual on (03) 9459 7474 or at www.synergyaudio.com