Audio Research REF160S | Reference Tube Amplifier with a Stereo Design

"I was consistently aware of beautiful tone. Perhaps a bit more in triode mode than in Ultralinear, but always present, always there. This is the Itzhak Perlman of amplifiers. And like any good tonalist, the 160 S could also make scratchy, strident sounds when the music required it." - Jim Austin, Stereophile Magazine

The Audio Research REF160S is a vacuum-tube design that follows in the footsteps of the internationally-acclaimed 160M monaural power amplifier, introduced in 2018, which has won multiple amplifier-of the-year honors from publications such as Stereophile, Hi-Fi+, and others.

The Reference 160S (REF160S) carries-over the stunning look of the 160M, with dual GhostMeters™ that float in front of the eight KT150 output power tubes.

The 160S continues the feature set introduced in the 160M, including a proprietary auto-bias circuit, switchable Triode or Ultralinear modes of operation, balanced and single-ended inputs, and an output tube monitoring mode. The 160S also uses a four-layer circuit board, allowing music to emanate from a jet-black background.

With a weight of 100 lbs. and a chassis depth of 21.5“(54.6 cm), two rear handles were added to make it easier to lift and move. Larger 120mm, low profile fans are built into the bottom cover plate horizontally to provide ventilation.

The REF160S distills the astonishing resolution, dynamic impact, musical purity and finesse of the 160M into one beautiful and attainable chassis. It was designed for the music lover in all of us.

Visit the Paragon showroom, and enjoy a demo of the Audio Research REF160S today!  Contact us to schedule your private audition.