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Reference 160M MkII

Name: Reference 160M MkII
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-160M-MKII

Monoblock Power Amplifier

Series Reference

The Reference 160M MkII Monoblock Power Amplifier is a central pillar in the Audio Research range of Reference Amplifiers.

At a glance

All specifications

Frequency response: 0.5 Hz to 110 kHz
Power Bandwidth: (-3dB Points) 5Hz to 70kHz
Output Taps: 4, 8, 16 ohms
Overall Negative Feedback: 14dB
Slew Rate: 13 volts/microsecond
Rise Time: 2.0 microseconds

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Overview

The Reference 160M MkII Monoblock Power Amplifier is a central pillar in the Audio Research range of Reference Amplifiers.

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, and much more.

This array of features has never been offered before in an Audio Research amplifier, but has now been adopted across the product range.

About 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

All Audio Research products

Features

Key design elements
While the trademark GhostMeter™ serves as a window to the output tubes, it also incorporates an innovative power output meter with distinctively etched markings that create an integrated display with adjustable brightness. Four KT150 output tubes and two 6H30 driver tubes form the core of the audio circuit. 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.
Shortest signal path
It is understood that the best path is the shortest path. A 4-layer circuit board serves as the platform of the ultra-high grade and custom-made components that comprise this short but potent audio pathway. The result is a new benchmark in musicality in every criterion of performance. REF160M MkII 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 REF 160M MkII breaks new ground sonically, aesthetically and operationally, and is available in Natural (Silver) or Black finishes.

Specifications

Frequency response: 0.5 Hz to 110 kHz; The range of pitches it reproduces, from deep bass to the top of the treble.
Model code: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-160M-MKII; Quote it when you ask a specialist.

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 Sensitivity: 2.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms)
Input Impedance: 200k ohms Balanced; 100k ohms Single-ended
Output Polarity: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)
Output Taps: 4, 8, 16 ohms
Output Regulation: Approximately 0.6dB 16 OHM LOAD TO OPEN CIRCUIT (Damping factor approximately 14)
Overall Negative Feedback: 14dB
Slew Rate: 13 volts/microsecond
Rise Time: 2.0 microseconds
Power Requirements per Monoblock: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 400 watts at rated output, 700 watts maximum, 260 watts at “idle”, 1 watt off.
Tubes Required per Monoblock: 2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 4 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6)
Dimensions: Width 17.25” (43.8 cm) Height 10” (25.4 cm) Depth 18.5” (47 cm) Handles Extended 19.25” (48.9 cm)
Weight per Monoblock: 56lbs (25.5 kg) Net 73lbs (33.2 kg) Shipping