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When Introduced i, the REF110 power amplifier proved to be one of the most respected and popular stereo power amps ever produced by Audio Research. Now it is superseded by the new REF150, offering more power, more sonic finesse, quieter operation and a more contemporary appearance. Having identical outer dimensions as the REF110, the new REF150 has much more packed into its chassis. Refined fro...[more]

The ebb and flow of a bass line, percussive textures, and time changes now make more musical sense as you hear them revealed by the greater immediacy and dynamic freedom of the REF2MKII. Finally, the MKII presents the music with a solidity and focus and coherence that is simply not present to the same degree in the original. From top to bottom, then, the REF2MKII is a another advance of the state ...[more]

First, you will notice a more modern, monochromatic appearance, including a new front panel with a small aluminum power button: natural units include silver handles and top cover, while black units come with black panel, handles and top cover. A new analog meter replaces the vacuum-fluorescent digital display of its predecessor; this illuminated meter is capable of displaying power output, line...[more]

Introduced in May and June 2009, the REF5 and REF Phono 2 are sufficiently mature to warrant an update.   Beginning immediately, the REF5 and REF Phono 2 (RP2 for brevity) are being updated to SE status, with greatly enhanced performance and the latest cosmetics. Non-SE versions will no longer be available. The upgrades are applicable to both REF5SE and RP2SE. The most obvious change is to...[more]

The REF75 is a great looking amplifier, slightly reminiscent of our older classic designs.  The front panel has two illuminated analog power/bias meters, one for each channel.  Under each meter is a knob to switch from power output to bias monitoring for each output tube.  Bias adjustment points are accessed from the front panel, too, offering real convenience.  The outer di...[more]

The appearance is more refined and attractive, but is clearly a statement piece from Audio Research. A new, optional 12V fan-cooled silver top cover is available at additional cost.   Using the now-standard KT120 output tubes (8 matched pairs, driven by another matched pair) in the classic Audio Research push-pull Class AB output stage, the input stage has been streamlined, using very low ...[more]

The REF CD9 incorporates four digital inputs: asynchronous USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA and Toslink. All inputs handle 24-bit/192kHz resolution. As you would expect, the REF CD9 retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism available. It is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback. Benefitting from what was learned in the development of the Audio Research REF DAC and th...[more]

Like the larger HD220, the new SD135 ("SD" for "Silicon Drive") uses Thermal TrakŽ self-biasing output devices in a Class A-B design. And like the HD220, it accommodates either single-ended or balanced inputs. But unlike the larger hybrid, the SD135 features an all-solid-state input stage using multiple JFET devices in each channel, directly driving the output stage – no interstage coupling capa...[more]

The power cord is our standard removable IEC. The most important control functions of the SP16, including Power, Mute, Processor, Input select, and Volume Up/Down, are accessible on the right side of the front panel via six soft-touch buttons. On the left side of the front panel (mirroring the control function cutout on the right) is an LED display indicating Input, Processor, Mono, and Mute, with...[more]

The SP16 is completely single-ended with five sets of inputs (labeled Phono, CD, Tuner, Video and Aux) plus a Processor pass-through. There are two sets of main outputs for flexibility, plus a Tape out. The SP16 has a 12-volt trigger to turn on power amplifiers or other equipment, and full remote control of all functions including power, input selection, stereo/mono, volume, and muting. The powe...[more]