Reference 160M MkII Monoblock Power Amplifiers By Audio Research
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Product Summary:
Audio Research Reference 160M MkII is a premium tube monoblock amplifier featuring KT150 tubes, auto-bias technology, switchable Ultralinear/Triode modes, powerful dynamics, refined musicality, and distinctive GhostMeter™ styling for high-end audio performance.
Click To Read MoreTrial Period
90 Days (Exchange)
Countries Shipped
USA
Burn-In Time
100 Hours
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Amplifiers, Audio Research, Tube Amplifiers
Reference 160M MkII Monoblock Power Amplifiers By Audio Research
$45,000
Audio Research Reference 160M MkII is a premium tube monoblock amplifier featuring KT150 tubes, auto-bias technology, switchable Ultralinear/Triode modes, powerful dynamics, refined musicality, and distinctive GhostMeter™ styling for high-end audio performance.
Click To Read MoreProduct Description
The Audio Research Reference 160M MkII monoblock power amplifier combines advanced vacuum tube engineering with refined design to deliver exceptional musical performance and operational convenience. As part of Audio Research’s acclaimed Reference Series, it offers a sophisticated balance of power, precision, and tube warmth for demanding high-end audio systems.
The amplifier features an optimized signal path using fewer, higher-grade components for greater purity and transparency. Switchable Ultralinear and Triode modes allow listeners to tailor the presentation to their preferences, while proprietary auto-bias technology continuously maintains ideal tube performance without the need for manual adjustments.
At the heart of the design are four KT150 output tubes paired with two 6H30 driver tubes, delivering dynamic, authoritative sound with impressive clarity and tonal richness. A newly developed High Energy Capacity Transformer and substantial power supply reserve provide outstanding current delivery for impactful bass, effortless dynamics, and excellent control during demanding musical passages.
The signature GhostMeter™ front display not only showcases the output tubes but also integrates a distinctive power output meter with adjustable illumination for a modern, elegant appearance.
Built with premium custom components and a precision 4-layer circuit board layout, the Reference 160M MkII is engineered for audiophiles seeking a powerful, visually striking, and highly musical tube amplifier. Available in Natural (Silver) or Black finishes.
Reviews
Stereophile
“all the power amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, and pre-power combinations to have spent time in my reference system, the pairing of Audio Research’s tubed Reference 160M monoblocks and REF 6 preamplifier stands out as having sounded the most musically neutral and natural. Other components may offer more warmth and glow, or wider soundstages, or greater dynamic contrast, or more bass slam, transparency, and detail—but there was an inherent rightness to the sound of this supremely musical ARC pairing that puts it in a class by itself. “
https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-research-reference-160m-monoblock-power-amplifier
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Specificarions
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. - 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:
- 56 lbs (25.5 kg) Net
- 73 lbs (33.2 kg) Shipping
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Product Description
Lehmann Black Cube SE II – Precision Phono Stage for True Audiophiles
The Black Cube SE II builds on the acclaimed SE circuit, upgraded with superior sockets and an adjustable bass filter, allowing you to fine-tune your system to your personal listening preferences. Designed for maximum musical engagement, it delivers the sensation that your favorite recordings were crafted just for you, bringing instruments and vocals closer than ever.
Tailored for Every System
Compatible with nearly all MM and MC cartridges, the Black Cube SE II includes solder-free slots for custom impedance adjustments, plus an extra hardwired plug-in location for immediate flexibility. Optional matching resistors can be provided with your order at no extra cost, making it easy to optimize the phono stage for your system.
Audiophile-Grade Audio Circuitry
At its core, a high-precision passive RIAA filter network sits between two linear gain stages, built with surge-proof, narrow-tolerance polypropylene capacitors. This design preserves transients, dynamics, and timbres with exceptional clarity. Professional-grade input stages reduce noise while enhancing precision and power. Additional modules handle hum, high-frequency interference, and random voltage suppression, and the double-sided audio board ensures a low-interference signal path.
Dependable PWX Power Supply
The external PWX power supply features a custom toroidal transformer with static shielding, providing stable, safe, and powerful operation. Gold-plated Neutrik XLR connectors maintain secure connections, while shielded cables and mechanically damped aluminum housings minimize vibrations and interference.
Elegant Design
With a choice of silver, black, or chrome-plated front panels, the Black Cube SE II combines audiophile-grade performance with a refined aesthetic that looks as good in your HiFi rack as it sounds in your system.
Professional Endorsement
Known for its neutral, natural sound, Lehmann equipment is trusted by professional recording studios and music experts worldwide. The Black Cube SE II offers a high-fidelity listening experience that reveals every nuance in your favorite recordings.
Note: The sonic profile of Lehmann gear is perhaps the most neutral we can find. This brand is quite popular with our professional music/recording studio clients.
Reviews
AUDIO
“Upgraded to the SE version by the PWX, it was definitely poking the fire again like almost no other phono pre in its price range. Merciless heavy rock by Vanilla Fudge or massive bigband attacks by Count Basie were just about to blaze through the listening room. Pimped in such a hot manner, the Lehmann Black Cube SE II is state-of-the-art.”
https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EN-2020_01-AUDIO-Black_Cube_II.pdf
Hifi News
“This is a true audiophile phono stage and, partnered with equipment of equal quality, the results are remarkable. Indeed, the SE II is difficult to fault even compared to the competition in a much higher price bracket. The exceptionally low background noise allied to a fabulous rhythmic and tonal rendition makes it worthy of consideration for those seeking the most detail from their vinyl without having to make a hyperspace price jump.”
https://jaguaraudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/EN_review_Hifi_News_02_2010_SEII_screen.pdf
Hifi News
“To ?nd more depth and detail in music I know so well was a remarkable experience and I warmed to this little gem of a phono stage all over again.”
Specifications
The impressing technical details of the Black Cube SE II.
Sensitivity for output level 775 mV/ 0 dB (with activated high gain switch): MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz
Gain 1 kHz: MM: 46 dB; MC: 66 dB
Maximum input level 1 kHz: MM: 45 mV; MC: 4,5 mV
Signal to noise ratio (RMS unweighted): MM: 71 dB; MC: 63 dB
Gain: 36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB
Channel separation: > 80 dB at 10 kHz
Input impedance: 47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms, 1 x custom load, 1 x hardwire slot
Output impedance: 47 ohms
Input capacitance: 100 pF
Channel mismatch: typ. 0.5 dB
Bass filter: 16 settings between 7 Hz and app. 90 Hz
Power consumption: < 3 W
Outer dimensions W x D x H:
Audio section: 114 mm x 124 mm 50 mm
PWX power supply: 93 mm x 233 mm x 45 mm
Weight:
Audio section: 0.6 kg netto
PWX power supply: 1.0 kg netto
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