Audio Research Reference 160S Stereo Power Amplifier

The Reference 160S stereo power amplifier brings the award-winning performance and design of the REF160M monoblocks into a single chassis. Featuring eight KT150 output tubes, dual GhostMeters™, proprietary auto-bias, switchable Triode and Ultralinear modes, balanced and single-ended inputs and output tube monitoring, it combines advanced functionality with striking aesthetics. Its four-layer circuit board helps deliver exceptional clarity, dynamic impact and low-noise performance from a jet-black background. Weighing 100 pounds, the REF160S captures the musical purity, resolution and finesse of the REF160M in a more accessible stereo design built for serious music lovers.

Technical 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