Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Combines midrange and treble clarity with a beautiful and natural tone color
- Treble feels extended and airy, not rolled off
- Delivers tonal density without sounding heavy or sludgy, maintaining instrumental separation
- Combines bass weight with excellent bass definition, sounding musical and right
- Dynamics sound natural, with stable instrumental separation during dynamic swings
- Audio Research recommends turning the power amps on last and turning them off first to limit the amplifier's ability to reproduce other source turn-on transients
Product Considerations
- Two units are required for a stereo system, significantly increasing the cost
- May not be suitable for rooms larger than 3000 cubic feet with medium-efficiency speakers
- Needs relatively high efficiency speakers to perform at its best
- Turning the amplifier on during the warm-up process may make some noises, so there's a two-minute muting period
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Some great power amps and preamps from Japan do naturalness well but can sound a little bit reserved—unlike the Reference 160M Mark II
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 160M Mark II is a refined amplifier that excels at delivering beautiful and natural sound. It draws the listener into the music to be enjoyed.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Reference 160M MkII
reviews
[{"title":"Audio Research's Reference 160M MkII Mono Amplifiers Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNde_wqraEY","source":"THE ABSOLUTE SOUND","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Audio Research Reference 160 M MkII monoblock power amplifiers - The Absolute Sound","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-reference-160-m-mkii-monoblock-power-amplifiers","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":"2023"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power Output: 140 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz
- 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: 200k ohms Balanced; 100k ohms Single-ended
- 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) 400 watts at rated output, 700 watts maximum, 260 watts at "idle", 1 watt off
- Tubes Required: 2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 4 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6)
- Dimensions: Width 17.25" (43.8 cm) Height 10" (25.4 cm) Depth 18.5" (47 cm) Handles Extended 19.25" (48.9 cm)
- Weight: 56lbs (25.5 kg) Net 73lbs (33.2 kg) Shipping
Description
The Reference 160M MkII Monoblock Power Amplifier is a central pillar in the Audio Research range of Reference Amplifiers. It features a refined audio topology with fewer and better components in the signal-path than in previous designs, switchable Ultralinear/Triode operation, proprietary auto-bias, output tube monitoring and protection, and much more. This array of features has never been offered before in an Audio Research amplifier, but has now been adopted across the product range.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- 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."
Select products
Select product comparisons
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.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$40,001-$75,000
Used For Sale
463
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
7
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
15
Founding Year
1970
Our take on the brand
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
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?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
Audio Research
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Audio Research
Reference 330M
90000
90000
/
2
Reviews
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Expand Details
.svg)
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced design, handcrafted in the USA
- Employs a sextet of KT170 valves, ECC83, and 6H30, with hand-selected and matched valves
- Features Audio Research's 'Auto-Bias' circuitry and an internal hour meter for monitoring valve usage
- Aesthetically elegant design with unique 'Ghost Meters' which are LED-illuminated and can be dimmed or switched off
- Capable of delivering high power at low frequencies, controlling and driving speakers like a big solid-state amplifier
Product Considerations
- High price point
- Requires a 20A IEC cable (supplied)
- The bass control and sheer bass output of the Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) could not quite be matched by the Reference 330M
- The unit use a variable speed fan, although it was essentially silent during testing, this may still present a point of concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO: The Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) has slightly better bass control and output
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 330M is an intelligently engineered and beautifully styled amplifier that embodies the meaning of 'Reference' in sound quality. Its powerful valve design delivers excellent performance and is sure to be a conversation piece in any high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Product Page
Product Page
Audio Research
Reference 330M Monoblock
90000
90000
/
1
Reviews
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Beautifully designed and superbly assembled
- Skillfully balances accuracy and romanticism, combining precision and beauty
- A powerful amplifier that controls and drives speakers effectively
- Provides panoramic vistas of large orchestras in grand acoustic spaces
Product Considerations
- Requires a 20A IEC cable (supplied)
- Bass output could not quite be matched by the Gryphon Audio's Antileon EVO
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Outdid the Audio Research Reference 160S, which performed superbly
- Outperforms the Audio Research 750SEL in every way
Takeaway: The product is intelligently engineered, superbly built, and elegantly styled, with a sonic standard that epitomizes the meaning of 'Reference'. It is a blindingly powerful valve-glow beacon of amplification excellence.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audio Research is a hifi brand that has stayed committed to tube technology while many competitors moved to solid-state designs. The brand is known for its use of KT150 power beam tetrodes and hybrid power supply designs that blend tube amplification with solid-state regulation.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
Gryphon
Apex
99000
99000
/
7
Reviews
Since its introduction in 2022, Apex has been hailed as the finest power amplifier ever created. Critics and connoisseurs have universally praised its combination of shattering power and sublime delicacy; its ability to drive any loudspeaker balanced with unimpeachable tonal neutrality. It has always been Gryphon’s mission to achieve the highest possible audio performance in terms of sheer musicality, transparency and realism. With Apex Mono and Apex Stereo, Gryphon Audio Designs has elevated pure Class A power amplification a titanic leap above what was previously considered possible. Gryphon Apex takes us several significant steps closer in the quest for the most natural and convincing musical illusion.
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Delivers lots of current due to a new 2000VA toroidal transformer
- The Apex Stereo's ease of presentation was immediately obvious—it fully engaged the reviewer
- The amp exuded supreme self-confidence
- The amp simultaneously speeds things up and slows things down
- Superior speaker grip, improving organization, timing, and musical flow
Product Considerations
- Initial start-up can be alarming due to flashing error lights
- The size and weight (445 lbs) can make installation challenging
- It's gigantic and heavy, requiring special equipment and tools to handle its production
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Boulder 2060: The Apex revealed more tonally saturated sounds
- Vs Boulder 2060: Apex cast a larger soundstage, and within those huge spaces, images were generally larger and more three-dimensional
- Vs Boulder 2060: Apex exposed more detail in the music
Takeaway: The Gryphon Apex Stereo is a powerful amplifier that brings music to life with a balanced and full sound at any volume. Its ability to reveal the resonant nature of instruments transforms listening sessions into immersive experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Product Page
Product Page
Dan D'Agostino
Momentum M400 MxV
79950
79950
/
4
Reviews
The company's inaugural creation, the Momentum Mono Amplifier, served as the foundation for its product line. The Momentum M400 MxV Mono Amplifier, the latest iteration, enhances the iconic design to new heights. Incorporating techniques and topologies from the Relentless Mono Amplifier, the Momentum M400 MxV models represent the pinnacle of Momentum circuitry evolution. The new model name, MxV, signifies Mass times Velocity—the fundamental equation for Momentum, a recognition that resonates particularly with individuals having a physics background. Explore the cutting-edge Momentum M400 MxV for an unparalleled audio experience.
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exquisite aesthetics with a sleek design and a power meter that glows green
- Delivers a smooth and satisfying sound
- The sound is described as 'louder' and more powerful
- Said to be able to drive any speaker to its maximum output
- Upgrades are retrofittable to earlier Momentum models
- Balanced input only
Product Considerations
- Runs warm
- The scale on the power meter is essentially uncalibrated
- Requires a return to the factory for MxV upgrades on earlier Momentum Models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Momentum M400 MxV incorporates technology from the Relentless line and gets very close to the Relentless sound regarding space and depth
- The Momentum M400 MxV is smaller and lighter than the Karan Acoustics POWERa mono
- The Momentum M400 MxV is smaller and lighter than the D'Agostino Progression M550 Mono amplifier
Takeaway: The Momentum M400 MxV monoblock is a beautifully designed and powerful amplifier that delivers a smooth and satisfying listening experience. It incorporates technology from the flagship Relentless model, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Electrocompaniet
AW 800 M Reference
45000
/
Released
2023
The AW 800 M is Electrocompaniet's brand-new flagship power amplifier. It replaces the legendary AW 600 NEMO as our most powerful monoblock power amplifier. The amplifier showcases an updated, yet unmistakable and distinctive Electrocompaniet design that is a perfect match for all current and legacy Electrocompaniet products.
Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean and noise-free output signal provides a stable soundstage with a very black background at any sound level
- Exceptional bass control and depth delivers a powerful and tight bass response that underpins the overall musical experience
- Offers flexibility with mono, stereo, and bi-amping operating modes, allowing for system upgrades and configuration changes
- Dynamic and fast, reacting instantaneously to the signal it receives and delivering power and subtlety where needed
- Continues the company's aesthetic with the massive perspex front panel covering
Product Considerations
- Speaker binding posts may not be compatible with all types of speaker cable terminations, specifically thicker spades
- The control for the illuminated 'E' on the front is located underneath the amp and may be difficult to access
- May be more 'laid-back', which some may interpret as lacking ultimate transparency or strict neutrality
- Provides only for XLR balanced inputs, though Electrocompaniet can provide appropriate high-quality adaptors for RCA connectors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Brings another level of control and depth to everything, compared to Totaldac Amp 1
- The memorable blackness of bass pinged recognition, compared to Kinki Studio EX-B7 monos
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 800 M is a powerful and versatile amplifier known for its exceptional bass control, clean output, and dynamic performance. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience with flexibility for system configuration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.
Product Page
Product Page
Dan D'Agostino
Momentum S250 MxV
44950
/
Released
2021
The Momentum S250 MxV stereo amplifier delivers the extraordinary sound quality of the Momentum M400 MxV monoblock in a more affordable stereo design. The circuit topology and construction of the stereo amplifier mirror those of the monoblock, using the same ultra-efficient copper heat sinks with venturi cooling, the same 1% metal-film resistors, the same 69 MHz output transistors and the same fully complementary balanced configuration.
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly resolving, with plenty of detail
- Perfectly controlled, 'wide' sound in terms of dynamics and panorama
- A quieter background brings forward a level of detail
- A clearly structured form, with symmetrical divisions and repetitions
- Inspired by the Relentless Epic amplifier series
Product Considerations
- Speaker jacks accept only spades and bare wires, and connecting spades from the top bends the cable significantly
- Components on the rear panel are placed close to each other and not particularly convenient to use
Takeaway: The Momentum S250 MxV amplifier delivers an immersive and detailed listening experience, making it great for those who enjoy actively listening to music. It brings out the best in loudspeakers, offering tremendous dynamics and a wide soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Product Page
Product Page
Linn
Klimax Solo 800
45000
/
Released
2024
With Klimax Solo 800, we have created a superior-performance mono amplifier which can drive any given speaker optimally – under any conditions. To achieve this, our electronic engineers returned to first principles with their crosshairs trained on 'consistency' and 'accuracy' – because consistency and accuracy are key to pure, unadulterated, power amp performance. It features novel and original technologies which combine to produce staggeringly low distortion measurements, with superb signal-to-noise ratio and incredible efficiency.
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a complete and unabridged rendition of music, offering a sense of authority and positively influencing the sound
- Presents music as a tightly unified whole, creating a singular event rather than a collection of individual sounds
- Offers beautifully balanced and poised sound across the entire frequency range, from deep bass to detailed highs
- Maintains steady output voltage regardless of changes in load, defying mains input variations, thanks to the Utopik power supply
- The Adaptive Bias Control (ABC) technology establishes and adjusts bias current in real time
Product Considerations
- The high price dictates that all other system components (source, pre-amplification, speakers, supports) need to be of similarly high quality and expense
Takeaway: The Linn Klimax Solo 800 is an uncompromising amplifier that allows one to hear their music in a new light by delivering a complete picture of the sound. It offers exceptional clarity, balance, and control over the music signal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=logo}
TIDAL
Ferios
43553
/
Released
2022
The all new TIDAL Ferios G2. We have pushed the concept of the first Ferios power amplifier to its extreme and developed an all new power supply with a true power regulation. Thus, the TIDAL Ferios mono amplifier board is certain for all practical means and purposes to be supplied with never failing power reserves and a lavish feed of clean current that will drive every imaginable speaker with ease.
TIDAL Audio is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, creating products that are both visually stunning and acoustically superior, with their Prisma preamplifier and Ferios power amplifiers particularly praised for their build quality. The brand's products deliver a distinctive "liquid" and "sensual" sound quality that avoids clinical sterility, while supporting immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Transparent and uncolored
- Exceptional casework and styling
- Ample power without muscularity becoming the product's defining attribute
- Utterly effortless and transparent magnification of the electrical impulse
- Allows a listener to devote their psychic energy to making an emotional connection to music
- Only has balanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Only has balanced inputs
Takeaway: The Ferios monoblock power amplifiers are some of the best electronics available, combining immediacy, transparency, and tonal beauty. Its ability to effortlessly resolve complex arrangements makes it a worthwhile choice for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
TIDAL Audio is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, creating products that are both visually stunning and acoustically superior, with their Prisma preamplifier and Ferios power amplifiers particularly praised for their build quality. The brand's products deliver a distinctive "liquid" and "sensual" sound quality that avoids clinical sterility, while supporting immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Product Page
Product Page
Burmester
218
50000
/
Released
2023
The 218 power amplifier is visually and sonically oriented towards our flagship 159 amplifier. At the same time, the Reference Line power amplifier consistently benefits from the experience and knowledge that Burmester has derived from four decades of successful amplifier development.
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Visually oriented towards the flagship 159 amplifier
- Combines power and elegance with distinctive cooling fins
- Impressive sovereignty in music reproduction, outstanding spatial resolution, and musical warmth
- Solid build quality and finish
- Effortless control of any loudspeaker due to high damping factor over the entire frequency range
Product Considerations
- One review mentioned one of the amps began to buzz, which could be transformer-related
- RCA-to-XLR adapters may be needed for some preamps, since the 218 uses XLR inputs
- Absence of protruding support feet may make it difficult to lift without risk of crushing fingers
- The size and mass make it a 'sit on the floor' device
Takeaway: The Burmester 218 is a luxurious and well-engineered amplifier with a sound that's easy to enjoy and delivers the spirit and emotion of the music. It's a good choice for listeners who want a combination of detailed sound and easy listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
Amplifiers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
