Reference 80S Tube Power Amplifier By Audio Research
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Product Summary:
The Audio Research Reference 80S stereo amplifier delivers premium KT150 tube performance, balanced circuitry, rich musical detail, versatile connectivity, and advanced auto-bias technology in a compact, handcrafted design built for high-end audiophile listening systems.
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 80S Tube Power Amplifier By Audio Research
$18,500
The Audio Research Reference 80S stereo amplifier delivers premium KT150 tube performance, balanced circuitry, rich musical detail, versatile connectivity, and advanced auto-bias technology in a compact, handcrafted design built for high-end audiophile listening systems.
Click To Read MoreProduct Description
The Audio Research Reference 80S stereo amplifier is designed for listeners seeking high-end vacuum tube performance in a refined and compact form. Engineered with two KT150 output tubes per channel, it delivers powerful, musical sound with the detail, dynamics, and tonal richness expected from Reference-series amplification.
Built around a fully balanced differential design, the Reference 80S is crafted to provide exceptionally low distortion and outstanding sonic accuracy. Its advanced four-layer circuit board layout helps reduce noise while improving overall signal integrity for a cleaner, more immersive listening experience.
The amplifier presents music with remarkable clarity and depth, revealing subtle details, natural harmonics, controlled bass response, and expansive dynamic range. Its quiet background and spacious soundstage help recreate the atmosphere and emotion of live performances with impressive realism.
Sharing the elegant chassis dimensions of the Reference 160 series, the 80S combines sophisticated aesthetics with practical versatility. Features include balanced XLR and single-ended inputs, selectable 4/8/16-ohm output taps, RS232 connectivity, 12V trigger input/output, adjustable fan settings, tube hour monitoring, and an optional auto-off function.
Additional technologies include a proprietary auto-bias system that automatically compensates for tube aging and power fluctuations, along with output tube protection circuitry for enhanced reliability. Users can also select between Triode and Pentode operating modes to tailor performance according to speaker matching and personal listening preferences.
Hand-assembled in the USA, the Reference 80S is designed to pair seamlessly with a wide range of premium loudspeakers, delivering a captivating and highly engaging music experience for discerning audiophiles.
Reviews
HiFi Choice
“it’ll have to remain a dream to aim towards. Regardless, there’s no disputing that the way the Reference 80S delivers the sort of precision that’s more commonly the realm of solid-state rivals from glass tubes is nothing short of miraculous.”
https://www.hifichoice.com/content/audio-research-reference-80s
HiFi News
“If Audio Research’s first act of freedom was to embrace the ‘everyday’ audiophile then the forthcoming I-series looks to be just the ticket, just as this REF80S is surely the most accessible and compelling gateway to its top-tier Reference range yet offered. It’s hardly beer-budget stuff but the fiscal strain will likely prove secondary to the emotional wrench if you hear this amp in full flight but then must walk away.”
https://www.hifinews.com/content/audio-research-reference-80s-tube-power-amplifier
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Specifications
- Power Output:
- 70 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) 7Hz to 68kHz
- Frequency Response: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.7Hz to 94kHz
- Input Sensitivity:
- 1.4V RMS Balanced for rated output
- 25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms
- RMS SE for rated output
- Input Impedance:
- 300k ohms Balanced
- 75k ohms Single-ended
- Output Polarity:
- Non-inverting
- Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)
- Output Taps: 4, 8, 16 ohms
- Output Regulation:
- Approximately 1.0dB 16 Ohm Load to Open Circuit
- Damping factor approximately 8
- Overall Negative Feedback: 15dB
- Slew Rate: 10 volts/microsecond
- Rise Time: 4.0 microseconds
- Power Requirements:
- 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz)
- 420 watts at rated output
- 280 watts in Triode mode
- 221 watts at idle
- 3.6 watts off
- Units for Japan: 100VAC 50/60Hz
- Tubes Required:
- 2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-V4)
- 2 6H30 (Gain stage V5, V6)
- Dimensions:
- Width: 18.5″ (47 cm) chassis
- Faceplate Width: 19.0″ (48.26 cm)
- Height: 10.5″ (26 cm)
- Depth: 18.5″ (47 cm)
- With handles & connectors: 21″ (53.3 cm)
- Weight:
- 62 lbs. (28.2 kg) Net
- 73 lbs. (32.7 kg) Shipping
Know more details about products
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
Reviews
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