Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • Tremendous audio quality and almost limitless headroom drive the most demanding speakers
  • Power Guard protection against clipping or over-driving the amplifier, and Sentry Monitor fuse-less system shuts down the amp to prevent short circuits and auto reset when conditions return to normal
  • A patented Autoformer allows an ideal match from amp to speakers
  • A drop-dead gorgeous work of art that also makes beautiful music
  • Versatile for both music and home theater use

Product Considerations

  • At 155 pounds, the MC303 is heavy and may require assistance to move and install

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Rogers Fidelity KW-88—the MC303 impressed enough with its sound quality to become part of the reviewer's reference amplifiers, along with the Rogers tube amp

Takeaway: The McIntosh Labs MC303 is a powerful and versatile amplifier that delivers exceptional audio quality and is built to last. It offers a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and robust performance suitable for both music and home theater applications

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

MC303

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • FTC Power Output Rating: 300 W
  • Power Output per Channel: 300 W into 2, 4 or 8 ohms
  • Number of Channels: 3
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%
  • S/N below rated output: 112dB
  • Dynamic Headroom: 1.8dB
  • Damping Factor: >40
  • Rated Power Band: 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Frequency Response: +0, -0.25dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
  • Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 17-3/4" (45.09cm) x 12-3/8" (31.43cm) (including feet) x 22" (55.88cm) (including front panel and cables)
  • Unit Weight: 155 lbs (70.3 kg)
  • Shipping Weight: 180 lbs (81.6 kg)
The McIntosh MC303 is our most powerful multi-channel amplifier to date, providing 300 Watts into each of 3 channels. It features our renowned Autoformer™, which allows its full 300 Watts of power to be delivered into 2, 4 or 8 Ohm speakers with the lowest noise and distortion performance possible.
The McIntosh MC303 is our most powerful multi-channel amplifier to date, providing 300 Watts into each of 3 channels. It features our renowned Autoformer™, which allows its full 300 Watts of power to be delivered into 2, 4 or 8 Ohm speakers with the lowest noise and distortion performance possible. The MC303 was designed with the intent to drive a home theater’s front left, front right and center channels. As most of a movie’s soundtrack is delivered by these three channels, the powerful MC303 provides all the power needed for an amazing in-home theater experience. For surround channels, combine the MC303 with our MC312 or MC152 amplifiers and fully immerse yourself in your movie collection. For music lovers, the MC303 can be used in tri-amping configurations on compatible speakers, such as our XRT1.1K or XRT2.1K.
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:

  • McIntosh products blend classic, retro aesthetics, reminiscent of their 1970s designs, with modern materials and cutting-edge internal components, offering a unique visual appeal.
  • The brand's amplifiers are known for their substantial power output, often exceeding specifications, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers across varying impedance levels due to their unique Autoformer technology.
  • McIntosh offers a high degree of customization and control through features like multi-band equalizers, adjustable input sensitivity, and advanced settings accessible via dedicated apps or web interfaces.
  • They distinguish themselves with a focus on long-term reliability and customer satisfaction, with products built to last for decades and supported by a dedicated dealer network.

MHT300

  • Positioning: Positioned as a versatile home theater receiver in McIntosh's lineup, suitable for custom installations or standalone display.
  • Description: Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, making it ideal for modern home theaters. Unlike other McIntosh products, it offers 7.2 channel audio with expandability to 7.2.4, providing flexibility for future upgrades. This makes it perfect for users looking to integrate advanced video capabilities and immersive audio in a custom home theater setup.

MHA200

  • Positioning: A compact, high-quality headphone amplifier designed for personal audio enthusiasts.
  • Description: Uses vacuum tube amplification, delivering a warm and detailed sound that is distinct from solid-state amplifiers like the MC462. Its compact size and multiple impedance settings make it versatile for various headphone types.

MC462

  • Positioning: A powerful stereo amplifier, offering robust performance for high-end home audio systems.
  • Description: Features a Quad Balanced design with McIntosh Autoformers, providing 450 Watts per channel with low distortion. Compared to the MC1502, it offers a solid-state solution with increased dynamic headroom.

MC1502

  • Positioning: A high-power vacuum tube amplifier, ideal for audiophiles seeking classic tube sound.
  • Description: Delivers 150 Watts per channel using vacuum tubes, offering a rich, warm sound that contrasts with the solid-state clarity of the MC462. Its Unity Coupled Circuit ensures consistent performance across various speaker impedances.

MC901

  • Positioning: A unique dual mono amplifier, combining both vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.
  • Description: Integrates a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier with a 600 Watt solid-state amplifier, providing the best of both worlds for bi-amping loudspeakers. This hybrid approach is unlike any other McIntosh product.

MC21KW

  • Positioning: A flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of McIntosh's power amplification.
  • Description: Delivers 2,000 Watts of power, making it suitable for the most demanding audio setups. Its tri-chassis design and advanced technologies like Autoformer and Power Guard set it apart from other amplifiers.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
543
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
2
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
77
Founding Year
1949

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.

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?

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From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
McIntosh
MC3500 Mk II
30000
30000
/
4
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
  • The design has a purity that is quite amazing
  • Effortless power
  • Soundstage is big
  • Transparent

Product Considerations

  • Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
  • It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost

Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Balanced Audio Technology
Rex 500
25000
25000
/
5
Reviews
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Powerful, able to drive any speaker at any level with ease
  • Delivers a new dimension in realism at any volume level, exposing the timbre of bass instruments unlike ever heard before
  • Reveals harmonic quality of instruments and voices

Product Considerations

  • Heavy, weighing 140lb (63.5kg), requiring assistance for moving and unboxing
  • High running temperature (55-65oC across the chassis) and draws 500W from the wall when idle
  • When speaker cables are terminated with spade lugs, caution is advised as the posts are close together
  • Output is floating—it should not be connected to any loudspeaker with a grounded 'black' terminal
  • BAT components take a long time to "break in" (400-500 hours of use)

Takeaway: The BAT REX 500 is a very powerful amplifier that drives speakers with ease and reveals new levels of realism in familiar recordings. It is a must-audition for those seeking reference-level power amplification.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Electrocompaniet
AW 300 M
29000
29000
/
4
Reviews
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.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Prodigious bass output and rich tonality, especially for a solid-state design
  • Great presence, a black background, and strong resolution playing effortlessly at very high volume levels
  • Offers a wide, well-defined soundstage
  • Beautifully designed with a luxurious appearance, relatively compact dimensions, and attention to detail in its internal layout
  • Reserves of power will comfortably drive a wide range of speakers to high levels

Product Considerations

  • Attacks can be slightly soft on some material
  • The soundstage, while wide and well-defined, may lack the pinpoint accuracy and layered depth of some reference amplifiers
  • Requires support beneath it on carpeted floors to allow sufficient airflow

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs soulution 511, the soulution 511 was faster and more accurately conveyed bass notes, threw an image with greater accuracy, and was more open on top

Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 300 M is a gutsy and poised monoblock amplifier that delivers lots of power and handles a variety of speakers, giving an excellent listening experience. Its solid build and high performance make it a great choice for those seeking high-end audio quality.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
MOON
861
21999
21999
/
4
Reviews

The MOON 861 is a power amplifier with the pedigree of the distinguished MOON 888 and the wholistic design philosophy of the North Collection.

MOON by Simaudio is known for their warm and natural "MOON sound," achieved through their proprietary Lynx circuit that eliminates global-feedback loop in their amplifiers. Their products feature fully balanced circuitry and customizable interfaces, with designs that minimize noise and distortion while revealing intricate audio details without harshness.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Great build quality that feels solid and built to last
  • Impressive control, speed, and transparency in sound reproduction, resulting in a highly satisfying and natural sound
  • Excellent bass grip, with precisely layered and insightful basslines
  • Each instrument is distinct within the orchestra

Product Considerations

  • Speaker cable terminals are a bit tight, especially with larger spades
  • Software may need updates to ensure devices connect seamlessly
  • Setup may be crucial to get the best sound
  • According to one commenter, the treble can be hard and tiring

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The 861 exceeds the Moon 860A v2 in performance due to improvements in isolation, mechanical damping, and power supply
  • The 861 has less pronounced colors than Burmester 218 amplifiers
  • The 861 has more weight and oomph than Octave MRE 220 SE

Takeaway: The Moon 861 is a powerful and well-built amplifier that delivers a natural and detailed sound, with excellent control and dynamics. With its power and balanced sound, listeners may find themselves enjoying music even more.

Video review

Our take on the brand

MOON by Simaudio is known for their warm and natural "MOON sound," achieved through their proprietary Lynx circuit that eliminates global-feedback loop in their amplifiers. Their products feature fully balanced circuitry and customizable interfaces, with designs that minimize noise and distortion while revealing intricate audio details without harshness.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

McIntosh
MC2301
13500
/
Released
From the demands of massed chorale to full-on rock and roll, the MC2301 delivers the most extraordinarily lifelike and dynamic performance ever heard from a McIntosh tube amplifier. With an output of 300 Watts, it provides enough high power to drive even the most demanding loudspeaker.
Check Amazon
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Fast response, with detail, and a warm tube sound
  • Picks up detail with speed when playing Hi-Res digital content

Product Considerations

  • Lacks sound stage depth/width, power, and feel compared to the reference system (vintage MC275 amplifiers)
  • Super tweeters seemed to be sleeping—as if there was no data provided at that frequency
  • Lacks a big window of performance, energy, and feel, providing a smaller window of performance albeit nice with a tube-like sound
  • Bass with the MC2301s was starving when compared to the 275's

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs vintage 1960s MC275: MC2301 lacks sound stage depth/width, power, and feel, a full rich lush enveloping sound, and energy that stirs emotion
  • Vs later generations of the MC275: MC2301 would be superior

Takeaway: If you don't have access to vintage MC275s, the MC2301 could be a good option, providing a tube-like sound with detail and speed. McIntosh should look back and reconsider past designs.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Chord Electronics
Ultima
15375
/
Released
2023
The ULTIMA mono power amplifiers have been conceived for the very finest high-end audio systems, those which by their very nature, tend to have the most demanding and most difficult-to-drive large loudspeakers. They deliver unsurpassed power and are capable of effortlessly driving any speaker.
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Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
  • Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
  • Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
  • Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
  • Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required

Product Considerations

  • Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
  • Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
  • Balance control has no center indent or marked position
  • The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
  • Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
  • Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
  • Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
  • Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance

Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
AGD
Duet
11500
/
Released
2024
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AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Compact size, lightweight, and runs cool compared to traditional high-end amplifiers
  • Exceptionally quiet operation, with reviewers noting a complete absence of hum or buzz
  • Delivers a clean, crisp, and neutral sound signature without added coloration
  • Upgradeable design, allowing users to update the amplifier with new GaN modules as technology evolves
  • Produces a Single Ended Triode-like midrange and top end

Product Considerations

  • The polished finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring the use of gloves for handling

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs AGD Audion MKIII: The Duets offer a cleaner and more refined sound with improved bass and greater immediacy and snap compared to the Audion MKIII
  • Vs Daniel Hertz Maria: The AGD Duets seem to have a little more inner resolution
  • Vs Pass Labs X250.8: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
  • Vs Peachtree GaN 1/VTV GaN amps: AGD amps seem to be on another level in regards to design, and the sound is more refined and beautiful
  • Vs Aavik U-150, Luxman 595, Yamaha A-S 3200, Axxess Forte 1, Line Magnetic 219ia: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level

Takeaway: The AGD Duet amplifiers offer a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly design. They are a great option for those seeking a high-end audio experience in a compact and energy-efficient package.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
ASR
Emitter II
18750
/
Released
The Emitter II models are considered by true music connoisseurs and uncompromising audiophiles as the ultimate in amplifier construction. Through word of mouth alone, a music-addicted and steadily growing global fanbase has developed, who have realized their desire for a concert hall in their home environment. Powered by two separate power supplies, the most demanding speakers and elaborately built dynamic transducers are driven to peak sonic performance.
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ASR Audio's Emitter II Exclusive amplifier creates a vast, tube-like soundstage and three-dimensional presentation without tube colorations, while maintaining exceptional transparency and a low noise floor. The brand stands out for its emphasis on measurements and scientific analysis in audio equipment evaluation, often sparking debates between measurement-focused and subjective listening-focused audiophiles.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Known for combining the musicality of tube amplifiers with the precision and power of solid-state amplifiers.
  • It provides a transparent sound with steel control, without the electronic 'shine' associated with transistor amplifiers.
  • Exceptional bass performance, described as deep, explosive, and completely controlled.
  • Homogeneous frequency range, offering a very high degree of transparency and control.
  • Offers an ability to resolve even the finest musically significant details.

Product Considerations

  • Requires a substantial amount of space due to its multi-component design.
  • The sound offered might be 'too beautiful' for some listeners, as it is not 'brutal' or 'terse' enough.
  • Requires care in using its switches to avoid shutdowns.
  • Some reviewers note it was 'dark sounding' on the highs, though it did not lack information.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Quad ESL loudspeakers, it surpasses the musicality and clarity achieved with many tube amps, rivaling even high-end options like Lamm Industries ML2.2 and Miyajima Laboratory 2010.
  • The ASR has better bass and is more transparent than MBL, however, it lacks the grace that MBL offers.
  • Compared to Rogue 180W monoblocks, the ASR Emitter II delivers better bass.
  • The ASR Emitter II has slightly better bass control than Manley Neoclassic 500, but the Neoclassic 500 has a more marvelous style of fiddling.
  • Compared to Edge and Audio Research, the ASR is darker sounding.

Takeaway: The ASR Emitter II Exclusive offers a combination of tube-like warmth and solid-state precision, making the listening experience a very involving one. It provides exceptional control and detail across the entire frequency range, making it a great choice for audiophiles.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ASR Audio's Emitter II Exclusive amplifier creates a vast, tube-like soundstage and three-dimensional presentation without tube colorations, while maintaining exceptional transparency and a low noise floor. The brand stands out for its emphasis on measurements and scientific analysis in audio equipment evaluation, often sparking debates between measurement-focused and subjective listening-focused audiophiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Audio Research
Reference 80S
18500
/
Released
2021
The Reference 80S stereo amplifier continues Audio Research's latest design effort in creating a vacuum-tube amplifier that not only redefines ultimate music reproduction, but does it in an incredibly beautiful package. The 80S was created with as much spirited authority as we can pack into a compact circuit with 2 KT150 tubes per channel for music lovers who want Reference-level performance at the lowest possible barrier to entry.
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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

  • Delivers power while handling subtlety and fine detail with aplomb
  • Presents an engaging and naturally organic soundstage
  • Offers switchable Ultralinear and Triode tube configurations
  • Hand-wired, hand-soldered, and hand-assembled
  • The top end is silky, resolved, and decent, resulting in no listening fatigue

Product Considerations

  • The bass is not that punchy as with the best high-end amplifiers
  • The amplifier can be demanding towards the acoustics of the room due to its heavy-on-bottom balance
  • Limited power handling that does not allow for playing too loud
  • The 80S sounds more homogenous, although the listening is rewarding and entertaining
  • Ensure existing speakers will work with the Reference 80S to satisfaction before purchase

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Simaudio Moon 860A v2 power amplifier, the voice of Hana was warmer and velvetier through the Audio Research—a bit more human for my ears—although the sound was slightly less transparent and less controlled

Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 80S is a tube power amplifier that delivers precision and subtlety. If high-end audio is desired and a lot of power is not necessary, the Reference 80S could be a good fit for a listening space.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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