Audio Research Ref160M

[Bobvin]

Originally Posted by ariess

“...one of the finest amplifiers I have ever heard regardless of price.”

From lab testing, same power as GS150 but 13 dB lower noise (!!!) and wider S/N. Spends a lot of the write up on triode vs ultra linear mode. Prefers each for different music (triode is good for brass, edgy recordings and ultra linear for dynamic, transients, bass heavy).

And yet he points out he found the differences between the modes to be subtle and not night & day. I completely expect there will be quiet intimate recordings, vocals with just one accompanying instrument, jazz trios and quartets, etc that are going to be amazing in triode mode, whereas rock and full orchestra will be better in ultralinear mode. I am happy to hear the differences aren’t extreme as I don’t need another reason to get up and push buttons.

[stjlinus]

Wonder if ARC plans a similar version to replace the 250SE monoblocks?

[doggiehowser]

270

you didnt hear it from me

[audio5]

Originally Posted by stjlinus

Wonder if ARC plans a similar version to replace the 250SE monoblocks?

Best Guess 260M ?

[George47]

Ahhh but what about 160 stereo amp mentioned in the review?

[Bobvin]

I just received an email from a dealer in southern california who finally received their REF160M's. I had considered a visit to compare the 160s to the D'agostino stereo amp. Apparently (I am told) "my business partner... is absolutely in love with the 160M, and he's the biggest D'Agostino fan that I know!"

This, of course, is music to my ears, as my amps are on order but have not yet shipped.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Bobvin

I just received an email from a dealer in southern california who finally received their REF160M's. I had considered a visit to compare the 160s to the D'agostino stereo amp. Apparently (I am told) "my business partner... is absolutely in love with the 160M, and he's the biggest D'Agostino fan that I know!"

This, of course, is music to my ears, as my amps are on order but have not yet shipped.

Congrats! I just picked up a Ref150SE, and although I absolutely love it, I am jealous...I know I would love the Ref 160M!

[Bobvin]

REF 160M's have landed. HOLY SHIT! Out of the box these are just fantastic and with less than 5 hours, on un-spiked stands, and using stock footers. I have a set of StillPoints arriving today so will spike up the stands, add the StillPoints, and let things warm up for another listen.

Let me just say my first listening session the other night caused a most unusual event in my music room—I didn't get up to re-fill my wine glass for a half-dozen songs. Usually if that wine glass gets empty there is an intermission to remedy the situation.

I should have some new pictures to post soon, the interior designer is bringing a professional photographer over this week as she wants to add the pictures to her portfolio. Should turn out a little better than my iPhone pics! Glad the 160s arrived first.

[briweed]

Originally Posted by Bobvin

REF 160M's have landed. HOLY SHIT! Out of the box these are just fantastic and with less than 5 hours, on un-spiked stands, and using stock footers. I have a set of StillPoints arriving today so will spike up the stands, add the StillPoints, and let things warm up for another listen.

Let me just say my first listening session the other night caused a most unusual event in my music room—I didn't get up to re-fill my wine glass for a half-dozen songs. Usually if that wine glass gets empty there is an intermission to remedy the situation.

I should have some new pictures to post soon, the interior designer is bringing a professional photographer over this week as she wants to add the pictures to her portfolio. Should turn out a little better than my iPhone pics! Glad the 160s arrived first.

I just heard these a few weeks back with a Ref6 (Vivaldi and AMG TT w/Lyra Etna) and was blown away. Congrats!

B

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by Bobvin

REF 160M's have landed. HOLY SHIT! Out of the box these are just fantastic and with less than 5 hours, on un-spiked stands, and using stock footers. I have a set of StillPoints arriving today so will spike up the stands, add the StillPoints, and let things warm up for another listen.

Let me just say my first listening session the other night caused a most unusual event in my music room—I didn't get up to re-fill my wine glass for a half-dozen songs. Usually if that wine glass gets empty there is an intermission to remedy the situation.

I should have some new pictures to post soon, the interior designer is bringing a professional photographer over this week as she wants to add the pictures to her portfolio. Should turn out a little better than my iPhone pics! Glad the 160s arrived first.

WOW Bob, congratulations! That's fantastic. I just got the GS150 and I am lusting after the Ref160 already. lol

What a beautiful work of art that amp is, and I am sure it sounds amazing.