What's unique about the brand
What reviewers are saying
We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:
- Audio Research employs a design philosophy of cascading technological advancements, with innovations first appearing in their top-tier Reference series, then trickling down to the more accessible Foundation series.
- A unique aspect of Audio Research's digital products is their use of separate, optimized digital pathways for PCM and DSD signals, ensuring the highest quality conversion for each format.
- The use of vacuum tubes in the analog output stage is a core characteristic, contributing to a distinctive midrange fluidity and timbral accuracy designed to minimize the harshness often associated with digital audio.
- While embracing modern features like user-selectable upsampling and digital filters, Audio Research prioritizes sonic balance and accuracy, aiming for a sound that is neither overly warm nor bright, but fundamentally "right."
Our favorite reviewer quotes:
- "The Audio Research DAC9 performs a particular kind of magic I simply can't get enough of; it fools me into thinking that my living room is full of musicians and singers from around the world and keeps me listening until I lose all track of time." (https://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/audioresearchdac9.htm)
- "To me, the result is clear: The ARC Reference 10 is one of the most thrilling, intoxicating, musically engrossing preamplifiers ever made." (https://soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/567-audio-research-reference-10-preamplifier)
- "The purity and beauty of Audio Research's midrange transparency have increasingly become their hallmark, expanding beyond the midband to include the full frequency range. It's a classic case of the whole depending on the sum of the parts, the greater resolution and transient speed certainly contributing to the clarity and a tonal palette that sounds the way God (and a multitude of talented musicians) intended." (https://www.theaudiobeat.com/blog/audioresearchreferencephono3_se.htm)
- "Starting with tonality, the timbre of instruments and voices are so right, so natural and un-diminished in any way, it pleads a very strong case that digital is now neck and neck with analog as they streak towards the checkered flag. Compared to digital of even 5 years ago, that older sound might as well be an exhibit in the museum of sonic history." (https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-audio-research-dac-9)
- "Another amazing quality of the DAC9 is the ability to render layered depth. Images are placed with three a dimensional presence that is surrounded by air allowing for great separation and a front to back precision that keeps individual instrumental timbre distinct and untangled." (https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-audio-research-dac-9)
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Products
Lineup comparison
We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.
I/50 Integrated Amplifier
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in the Audio Research lineup.
- Description: Offers a compact design with a powerful all-tube amplification circuit, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Features optional DAC and phono modules, providing flexibility for various audio sources, unlike the more specialized power amplifiers in the lineup.
VT80 SE Stereo Amplifier
- Positioning: A mid-range stereo amplifier, offering a balance between performance and affordability.
- Description: Uses KT150 tubes for a robust output, suitable for diverse speaker setups. Provides a fully balanced design, unlike the I/50, and is more powerful.
Reference 160S Stereo Power Amplifier
- Positioning: A premium stereo amplifier, designed for serious audiophiles.
- Description: With its dual GhostMeters and advanced auto-bias technology, provides superior soundstage and detail. Offers more power and flexibility than the 80S.
Reference 330M Monoblock Power Amplifier
- Positioning: The flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of Audio Research's engineering.
- Description: Combines groundbreaking technology with an all-tube signal path, offering unmatched control and dynamic range. Surpasses the 160M MKII in power and sophistication, making it the ultimate choice for those with no budget constraints and a desire for the best possible sound.
Used
Audio Research
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About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Fully transformer coupled designs. The use of directly heated triodes not only as output tube but also as drive rand preamp tube. 600 Ohm LCR RIAA EQ in phono stages. Custom triodes for the Intrepid series (Thomas Mayer ONE, TWO and THREE). Possibility to customise each product to specific needs.
What's your approach to customer support?
I sell directly to end customers. I used to have very few resellers but due to the steep increase of production and material costs I exclusive do direct sales now to avoid price increases of the products which would otherwise be necessary. My goal is that every customer is happy and I am always available for any questions even years after the sale. When necessary I do repairs or assist in set up at the customer site.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
I don’t have any favourite tracks, but use whatever I am in the mood for. Equipment should not be designed to work with specific music. People should use music they like for testing
What other products pair best with yours?
Admire Audio speakers.
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Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Featured products
About the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
