REFERENCE CD8 Compact Disc Player
We are proud to introduce a model that may be the most musical and musically accurate single-chassis compact disc player, the Reference CD8. It replaces a product that was still garnering five-star reviews three years after its introduction, the esteemed Reference CD7. With the advent of the CD5 and DAC7 in 2008, we knew that the DAC used in our Reference player needed a newer, higher-resolution version (The new 24-bit, 192-kHz chipset is not retrofittable to the CD7). And, our engineers found a way to physically incorporate the same power-supply regulation used in the Reference 3, using a single 6550C to replace two 6H30 triodes, giving better performance and longer tube life. Other enhancements include our newest output coupling capacitors and special damping tweaks. The playback mechanism continues to be the unsurpassed Philips PRO2R — still the best dedicated CD mechanism available. The Reference CD8 also features a new dimmable display, allowing five levels of illumination or completely off. A small LED indicator remains lit when the player is on, as a reminder to prevent the player from being left on inadvertently. In size, input and output configuration, —and in all other operational functions, the Reference CD8 is identical to the Reference CD7. But there the similarities end. Sonically, the Reference CD8 stands in a class all its own. While retaining the lush, full embodiment of the CD7 sound, the CD8 adds new dimensions of transparency. It immediately shows greater transient speed top-to- bottom, purer resolution of low-level detail and expanded dynamic contrasts, with more bass slam, definition and extension. The soundstage is larger and more holographic because of the heightened ability of the R Reference CD8 to embody and locate instruments and voices. Rhythmically, the Reference CD8 also picks up the pace compared to the CD7, with improved timing cues and better rhythmic interplay. You will find other sonic dimensions to marvel as you spend time with this enticing player. Quite simply, the Reference CD8 will have you rearranging your compact disc collection all over again as you rediscover and reprioritize old and new favorites. It really is the most mesmerizing, musically accurate CD player we have ever experienced — and what better way to bring enhanced value to a growing, and costly, CD collection!
SPECIFICATIONS OUTPUTS, ANALOG: (Stereo) 1. Balanced XLR 3.6V RMS (+11.1dBv) max. 2. Single-Ended RCA 1.8V RMS (+5.1dBv) max. OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: (Analog) 660 ohms BAL, 330 ohms SE. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 0.5–20,000Hz +0 -0.5dB. SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO: 108dBA DISTORTION: .03% 1kHz RESOLUTION: 24 BIT DAC. CHANNEL SEPARATION: 100dB 1kHz. OUTPUTS, DIGITAL: (to external Digital-to-Analog Converter) 1. XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110-ohm 4V P-P. 2. BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohm 0.7V P-P. SIGNAL FORMAT (disc): Sampling frequency: 44.1kHz. Quantization Bit: 16bit linear per channel. Channel bit rate: 4.3218Mb/sec. Channel modulation code: EFM (8 –14 modulation). Error correction: CIRC (cross interleave Reed Solomon Code). DRIVE MECHANISM (top load): Discs: Accepts 5" (12cm) and 3" (8cm) sizes. Wow & Flutter: unmeasureable (Quartz stability). OPTICAL PICKUP: Type: 3-beam LDGU (Laser Diode & Grating Unit), with holographic diffraction light pen. Laser: GaAIAs semiconductor, 780nm, 0.5mW maximum output. Servo: Digitally-controlled low-inertia linear positioning actuator. JITTER REDUCTION: High-stability crystal-controlled re-clocking for all outputs. DISPLAY: Six-digit vacuum fluorescent, with optical filter. TUBE COMPLEMENT: (4)-6H30P dual triodes, plus (1 each) 6550C and 6H30P in power supply. FRONT PANEL CONTROL FUNCTIONS: PREV selection • PLAY disc • NEXT selection • PAUSE program • STOP disc STANDBY operate/standby mode INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS: (Standard RC5 code, 30ft (9m) max distance) • 0-9 digit entry keys • SCAN ten seconds each track • PAUSE program • REP repeat track/disc • STOP program • PLAY disc • SHUF random sequence play • search, REV • search, FWD • STBY operate/standby mode • PROG enters selection on program list • TIME elapsed, remaining track; remaining disc • A/B repeats segment • previous track • next track • DSP DN Decrease display intensity • DSP UP Increase display intensity POWER REQUIREMENTS (detachable power cord): 100 - 135VAC 60Hz (200 - 270VAC 50/60Hz), 120 watts maximum. (2 watts maximum when unit is turned off) COMPLIANCE: RF Interference complies with FCC and CE MARK. DIMENSIONS : 19" (48 cm) W x 5 ¼” (13.4 cm) H x 15 ⅜” (39.0 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ½” (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel. Rear connectors extend ¾” (1.9 cm). WEIGHT: 32.5 lbs. (14.8 kg) Net; 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping.
REFERENCE 150 Stereo Pow er A m plifier
Simply put, the REF150 is a breakthrough in stereo power amplification. Replacing the REF110—which was one of the finest and most sought-after modern stereo amplifiers—was a daunting task, but it has been accomplished. The REF150 offers more power, greater dynamic thrust, a more vivid and resolved presentation, greater finesse, and quieter operation. It is the new benchmark. Having identical outer dimensions as its predecessor, the REF150 has much more packed into its chassis. Refined frontpanel cosmetics reflect the updated look of current-generation models, with silver units having silver handles and silver top covers, while black units have black handles and black cover. (Colors may be mixed to match older models.) The REF150 is a fully-balanced design, so its inputs are balanced XLR only. It has a 20-amp IEC power connector, 4-8-16 ohm output taps and 12V triggers arrayed on the rear panel. Under the top cover there are a number of circuit enhancements resulting in stunningly improved performance. First, power-supply energy storage has been doubled to some 1040 joules. All-new interstage coupling capacitors using technology and materials first incorporated in our Anniversary Edition preamplifier effortlessly link input stage to output stage, which is powered by two matched quads of KT120 output tubes driven by 6H30 twin triodes. There is more than ample multistage solid-state regulation. Output stage coupling is a combination of “ultralinear” and Audio Research’s patented “partially cathode-coupled” topology, which is superior to conventional pentode or triode operation. Larger, wide-bandwidth output transformers handle the greater output with ease. Power output is rated at 150 WPC into 4-, 8- or 16-ohm speaker loads. Each channel is very quietly fan-cooled using new low-turbulence intakes, with three selectable fan speeds. Internally there is a small LCD display that indicates tube hours. With all of these changes one would logically expect enhanced performance. But it is fair to say you will be shocked by the amount of improvement you hear from the REF150 when compared to its predecessor. Those familiar with the boundary-extending performance of the Anniversary Preamplifier will hear similar qualities from the REF150. The immediate impression conveys much greater speed, power and control compared to any other tube power amplifier you can think of. Bass extension, harmonic delineation and speaker driver control are the best ever to come from an Audio Research tube amplifier, regardless of power output – and that is saying something. The REF150 does not drive a loudspeaker so much as it dominates it and brings to life the most from any speaker. Paired with capable front-end components and good cabling, the results are nothing short of a revelation. You will hear inner harmonic structure and dynamic realism that simply were not present before, within an envelope of air and spatial cues that let you know that you are hearing everything that the recording has to offer. In short, the REF150 amplifies more critical musical information from your preamplifier and source components than you have ever heard before. Prepare to be astonished once again.
SPECIFICATIONS POWER OUTPUT: 150 watts per channel continuous from20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.6% at 150 watts, below 0.03% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at ‘clipping’ 160 watts (1kHz). (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 very critical.) POWER BANDWIDTH: (-3dB points) 5Hz to 80kHz. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 120 kHz. INPUT SENSITIVITY: 2.0V RMS BAL for rated output. (24 dB Bal gain into 8 ohms.) INPUT IMPEDANCE: 300K ohms Balanced. OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268). OUTPUT TAPS: 16 ohms, 8 ohms, 4 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. HUM & NOISE: Less than 0.1mV RMS – 114dB below rated output (IHF weighted, input shorted). POWER SUPPLY ENERGY STORAGE: Approximately 1040 joules. POWER REQUIREMENTS: 105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 730 watts at rated output, 900 watts maximum, 420 watts idle. TUBES REQUIRED: 4 – Matched pair KT120 – Power Output; 4 – 6H30 Driver. DIMENSIONS: 19" (48.3 cm) W x 8 ¾” (22.2 cm) H x 19 ½” (49.5 cm) D. Handles extend 1 ½” (3.8 cm) forward. WEIGHT: 75 lbs. (34.2 kg) Net; 90 lbs. (41 kg) Shipping.
REFERENCE 75 Digital Media Bridge
The Reference 75 is a stunning amplifier in every way – performance, styling and reliability combined to elevate your music listening to a new experience. Capable of controlling a wide variety of speakers, the Reference 75 will transport you into the musical performance unlike any other comparable amplifier. At the heart of the Reference 75 is decades of proven Audio Research vacuum tube technology, a legacy unrivaled by any other manufacturer of tube electronics. Developed through hundreds of hours of critical listening, the carefully selected components comprising the Reference 75 combine to provide an amplifier which transcends traditional hi-fi, instead relaying music with realism and tangibility. Visually, the Reference 75 hearkens back to past Audio Research products, taking inspiration from earlier amplifer designs. With its two large VU meters, which display power output as well as provide bias adjustments, the Reference 75 has a timeless appearance resembling precision laboratory equipment and an overbuilt, industrious aesthetic. Offered in both natural aluminum and black finishes, the understated look will complement any system. The KT120 vacuum tube delivers power from the amplifier to your speakers. Newly designed solely for the audio industry, the KT120 offers higher power handling and current delivery. A matched pair of tubes per channel run conservatively, ensuring stable operation and many hours of trouble-free listening. Custom designed capacitors couple the output of the tubes to the speakers for the purest signal possible. The Reference 75 is the new generation from a lineage of amplifiers only Audio Research could produce. Experience real music and unleash the capacity of your system – music in High Definition®.
SPECIFICATIONS POWER OUTPUT: 75 watts per channel continuous from20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.6% at 75 watts, below 0.05% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at ‘clipping’ 76 watts (1kHz). (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 very critical.) POWER BANDWIDTH: (-3dB points) 7Hz to 60kHz. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.7Hz to 75 kHz. INPUT SENSITIVITY: 1.4V RMS BAL for rated output. (25 dB Bal gain into 8 ohms.) INPUT IMPEDANCE: 300K ohms Balanced. OUTPUT POLARITY: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268). OUTPUT TAPS: 8 ohms, 4 ohms. OUTPUT REGULATION: Approximately 1.0dB 8 ohm load to open circuit (Damping factor approximately 8). OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK: 15dB. SLEW RATE: 10 volts/microsecond. RISE TIME: 4.0 microseconds. HUM & NOISE: Less than 0.06mV RMS – 112dB below rated output (IHF weighted, input shorted). POWER SUPPLY ENERGY STORAGE: Approximately 520 joules. POWER REQUIREMENTS: 105-125VAC 60Hz (210250VAC 50Hz) 410 watts at rated output, 500 watts maximum, 230 watts idle. TUBES REQUIRED: 2 – Matched pair KT120 – Power Output; 2 – 6H30 Driver. DIMENSIONS: 19" (48.3 cm) W x 8.75" (22.2 cm) H x 19.5" (49.5 cm) D. Handles extend 1.5" (3.8 cm) forward. WEIGHT: 47 lbs. (21.3 kg) Net; 63 lbs. (28.6 kg) Shipping.
REFERENCE 250 M onaural Pow er A m plifier
The concept of a large monoblock amplifier is to provide control to a speaker. The difficult part of the job is maintaining finesse and musicality while doing it. Audio Research has produced some of the most critically acclaimed products during its 42-year history and the new Reference 250 aims to break new ground. From the moment the music begins, the foundation of an exceptional musical experience is evident. Sound emerges from an inky black background, revealing microdetails and performance cues typically reserved for the live performance. Substantial, fundamental bass underscores the event with resolution and textural accuracy. Space around performers and groups of instruments stretch before you onto a lifelike stage with scale and body. Dynamics swing from silent passages to grand fortissimos without effort or strain. This is high definition listening. The Reference 250 features new enhancements outside as well as major performance advances inside. First, you will notice a more modern, monochromatic appearance, including a new front panel with a small aluminum power button. An analog meter with adjustable illumination is set in the front panel is capable of displaying power output and tube bias settings. A new low turbulence fan provides effective yet silent cooling. Internally, the Reference 250 is outfitted with the KT120 output tubes and a bulk power supply 50 percent larger than its predecessor. Connections include accommodation for 4, 8 or 16 ohm speakers, an XLR input as well as 12 volt trigger connections. Visually understated and sonically breathtaking, the Reference 250 is unmistakably Audio Research.
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SPECIFICATIONS POWER OUTPUT: 250 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 250 watts, below .04% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at “clipping” 270 watts (1kHz). (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 very critical.) POWER BANDWIDTH: (-3dB points) 5Hz to 70kHz. FREQUENCY RESPONSE: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 110 kHz. INPUT SENSITIVITY: 2.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms.) INPUT IMPEDANCE: 200K ohms Balanced. OUTPUT TAPS: 4, 8, 16 ohms. OUTPUT REGULATION: Approximately 0.9dB 16 ohm load to open circuit (Damping factor approximately 10). OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK: 8.8dB. SLEW RATE: 20 volts/microsecond. RISE TIME: 1.5 microseconds. HUM & NOISE: Less than 0.2mV RMS – 110dB below rated output (IHF-A weighted, input shorted, 16 ohm output). POWER SUPPLY ENERGY STORAGE: Approximately 900 joules. POWER REQUIREMENTS: 105-130VAC 60Hz (260-250VAC 50Hz) 770 watts at rated output, 1000 watts maximum, 380 watts at “idle,” 1 watt off. TUBES REQUIRED: 3 Matched pair KT120 (Power output V1-6); 1 Matched pair KT120 (Driver V8-9); 2 6H30 (Gain stage V7 and Regulator Driver V10); 1 6550C (Regulator V11). DIMENSIONS: 19" (48.3 cm) W x 8.75" (22.2 cm) H x 19.5" (49.5 cm) D. Handles extend 1.5" (3.8 cm) forward. WEIGHT: 73 lbs. (33.2 kg) Net; 88 lbs. (40 kg) Shipping.