Audio ResearchNew

Reference 160S

Name: Reference 160S
Brand: Audio Research
SKU: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-160S

Stereo Power Amplifier

Series Reference

The Reference 160S stereo power amplifier follows in the footsteps of the internationally acclaimed REF160M monoblock power amplifier, which has won multiple amplifier-of the-year honors from publications such as Stereophile, Hi-Fi+, and others.

At a glance

All specifications

Frequency response: 0.5 Hz to 110 kHz
Weight: 45.4 kg
Power Bandwidth: (-3dB Points) 5Hz to 70kHz
Output Taps: 4, 8, 16 ohms
Overall Negative Feedback: 14dB
Slew Rate: 13 volts/microsecond

Price on requestCheck availability

Request a price

Features1
Downloads1

Overview

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

GhostMeters™
REF160S carries-over the stunning look of the 160M, with dual GhostMeters™ that float in front of the eight KT150 output power tubes. Also continued is the the feature set introduced in the 160M, including a proprietary auto-bias circuit, switchable Triode or Ultralinear modes of operation, balanced and single-ended inputs, and an output tube monitoring mode. The 160S also uses a four-layer circuit board, allowing music to emanate from a jet-black background. With a weight of 100 lbs. the REF160S distills the astonishing resolution, dynamic impact, musical purity and finesse of the 160M into one beautiful and attainable chassis. It was designed for the music lover in all of us.

Specifications

Frequency response: 0.5 Hz to 110 kHz; The range of pitches it reproduces, from deep bass to the top of the treble.
Weight: 45.4 kg; Per unit, out of the box.
Model code: AUDIO-RESEARCH-REFERENCE-160S; 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: 300k 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: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 875 watts at rated output, 700 watts in Triode mode, 500 watts at “idle”, 3.6 watts off
Tubes Required: 4 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 4 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6)
Dimensions: Width 19.0” (48.26 cm) Height 10.25” (26 cm) Depth 21.5” (54,61 cm) With Handles and Connectors: 24” (60.96 cm)
Weight: 100lbs