Audio Research
When Audio Research was founded in 1970 by Bill Johnson, he had one goal in mind: to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Today, Audio Research remains true to its roots as a performance-oriented company driven by proven philosophies and superior design. Many industry observers consider Audio Research one of the true originators of the concept of “high-end” audio, offering an unsurpassed level of performance that can easily be heard and appreciated by all. Over its first half-century, Audio Research has grown from a small operation in the back of Bill’s shop to a modern, self-contained factory with dedicated R&D, testing, manufacturing, quality control, and listening facilities. Manufacturing is done by hand in-house, from the ground up, in our Minnesota facility. (Contact us for a tour if you are near Minneapolis, it’s fascinating to meet the people and see the process in action.) 330M Monoblocks Launched May 2024
13 products · 2 categories · USA · Founded 1970
13 products
Amplifiers
All 12 Amplifiers
Audio ResearchD-80The D-80 tube amplifier offers a wide and rich tonal palette, high resolution, and musical power in an elegant design that draws from our range of Reference tube amplifiers.Price on request
NewAudio ResearchI/55 BlackThe I/55 takes advantages of new features and advancements from the I/70 to create a worthy successor to the I/50.6 finishesPrice on request
Audio ResearchI/70The I/70 brings the joy of tube audio playback to those seeking an elevated level of musical performance, combining Audio Research separates in a single elegant, compact package.Price on request
Audio ResearchLS28SEA high-end preamplifier in its technical performance. An instrument in its ability to deliver a realistic and emotional connection to the music.Price on request
Audio ResearchPH9PH9 provides class leading phono preamplification for the majority of cartridge and turntable combinations.Price on request
NewAudio ResearchReference 160M MkIIThe Reference 160M MkII Monoblock Power Amplifier is a central pillar in the Audio Research range of Reference Amplifiers.Price on request
Sources
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What makes Audio Research
The Genesis of the Ghost Meter
Design studies showing the genesis of the Ghost Meter®, front panel incorporating the meter and open chassis with exposed tubes. For an Audio Research lover, transparency is not just a physical effect – it’s a fundamental audio concept. Audio Research products are famous for their transparent sound, so adding transparency to the background of the meter not only succeeded in our intention to glorify the tubes in the background, it also created another level of connection between the look and the spirit of the product. And that will remain our credo.
Why tubes?
Our founder did not believe in using tubes exclusively, he believed in using the best device for a particular circuit, at a given price point, whether tube or solid-state. He said “…with an all-out design effort, vacuum tubes will win.” Tube circuits are typically more expensive to build properly. Harmonic integrity, for one: a vacuum-tube in a properly designed circuit mimics the natural even-order harmonic structure of acoustic instruments. Not so for solid-state, with its odd-order harmonics. A second attribute of well-designed vacuum-tube products is the ability to recreate a natural cushion or air around a performer or ensemble: Real performers in a real space that ebbs and flows with the music. All of our designs are created by Audio Research engineers, not outside contractors, to assure consistency and the quality of our designs, working with an embedded base of knowledge and experience.
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