Audio Research Reference 160S Stereo Amplifier

The Reference 160S stereo power amplifier follows in the footsteps of the internationally acclaimed REF160M monoblock power amplifier, which has won multiple amplifier-of the-year honors from publications such as Stereophile, Hi-Fi+, and others. GhostMeters™ REF160S carries-over the stunning look of the 160M, with dual GhostMeters™ that float in front of the eight KT150 output power tubes. Also continued is the the feature set introduced in the 160M, including a proprietary auto-bias circuit, switchable Triode or Ultralinear modes of operation, balanced and single-ended inputs, and an output tube monitoring mode. The 160S also uses a four-layer circuit board, allowing music to emanate from a jet-black background. With a weight of 100 lbs. the REF160S distills the astonishing resolution, dynamic impact, musical purity and finesse of the 160M into one beautiful and attainable chassis. It was designed for the music lover in all of us. REF160S SYSTEM 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