DESCRIPTION :

The REF300 monoblocks have created as much of a stir among audiophiles and music lovers as the larger REF600s did when first introduced in late 1995. Well, we're happy to announce that REF300 owners now have good reason to be excited all over again with the introduction of the new and improved REF300MKII

First, the sonic improvements embodied in the MKII version are nothing short of monumental.

The MKII has much more apparent speed than the original, and conveys microdynamics and subtle timbrel details with much higher resolution. Image focus, the sense of body given to notes and voices, and tonal coherence from high frequencies to bass notes are all noticeably better. There is a sense of seamless resolution in the sound stage which, through an appropriate loudspeaker system, is simply mesmerizing with well-recorded material. Finally, the sense of power conveyed by these amplifiers is much more apparent on big dynamic swings -- they have effortless muscle when called for, yet they are capable of amazing delicacy in the next moment.

This uncanny ability conveys the same kind of natural intensity and immediacy that listeners have heard from the very successful VTM200 monoblocks introduced last summer.

These sonic improvements are the result of important advances in power supply regulation and driver-stage technology developed over the last year by Audio Research engineers. Incorporating the proven J-FET input for initial gain and low noise, additional gain is accomplished by a 6N1P twin triode, which is direct-coupled to four 6H30 twin triodes used as cathode followers to drive the 6550C output stage. These tubes in the audio gain path are run very conservatively for long service life. On the power supply side, one 6N1P preregulator drives three rugged 6AS7 regulator tubes. With these improved regulators, the power supply and driver circuits are now able to track the incoming signal much more quickly.
The result is sonic power combined with delicacy, air and the trademark High Definition® sound.

Control functions, input and output configuration remain unchanged on the MKII, with the exception of the addition of a 12V input /output for remote linkage in custom installations.