The I/50 is a sleek, easy-to-use, USA-made integrated amplifier that sets a new standard for modern home audio. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules: a Phono Stage and a DAC Card.

OVERVIEW

Functionally simple, visually engaging, and musically sublime - the I/50 takes music listening to a whole new experience. Hand-crafted in Minnesota, the I/50 is built with the same attention to detail as all other Audio Research products - each one even gets its own listening test with sonic designer, Warren Gehl.

The I/50 is designed to be easy to use, and has three controls on its top panel – Power, Input, and Volume. Two LexieTubes® provide display information for input selection and volume. Two matched pairs of 6550WE vacuum tubes, along with three 6922 tubes, stand in front of the perforated transformer cover. Three single-ended inputs and one XLR input provide connectivity for most systems, along with 4- and 8- Ohm speaker taps to accommodate your speaker of choice. One input can be assigned for pass-through function. A full-function metal remote control provides further functionality and operation. An optional tube cage will be available - contact us for more information.

Available in six colors, the I/50 features Cerakote finishes for a beautiful and long-lasting look. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules – a Phono Card and DAC Card. The high current, 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of speakers. A headphone jack allows for personal listening time.

The I/50 is a truly integrated product while providing renowned Audio Research performance and sound quality.

FEATURES

Hand-built by Audio Research's expert team in Minnesota; the first Audio Research product finished completely in-house
Compact size small footprint that is perfect for smaller rooms/spaces without compromising performance
Powerful vacuum tube output: High current, 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of speakers
Easy Setup and Controls: Three controls on top panel - Power, Input, and Volume and full-function metal remote (included); two LexieTubes® displaying input selection information and volume.
Inputs: Three single-ended inputs (2 if phono module is installed), one XLR input

The SE3 input can also be used as a home theater bypass. This allows you to amplify the two front channels of your home theater system with an I50 while only needing to use the volume control on your home theater receiver or processor when enjoying multi-channel content.

Outputs: 4- and 8- Ohm speaker taps, 1/4” (6.35mm) stereo headphone jack
Modules: two optional, pre-installed audio modules available – a Phono Card for high-quality vinyl playback, and a just-released DAC Card supporting multiple connection options and an array of decoding formats
Cerakote finish for a beautiful and long-lasting look & easy maintenance - Why Cerakote?
Six color options available: Red, Silver, Black, White, Gold, & Blue
Available for online purchase exclusively from Paragon Sight & Sound
Also available for in-store purchase & demo at our Ann Arbor, MI store - contact us for more information

Included in Box:

I/50 Integrated Amplifier
Two (2) matched pairs 6550WE vacuum tubes
Three (3) 6922 vacuum tubes
Product manual w/ tube installation instructions
Full-function metal remote control
Power cable

DAC & PHONO MODULES

The optional I/50 DAC Card module supports multiple connection options and an array of decoding formats to accommodate the wide spectrum of digital music formats and resolutions. Stream wirelessly with Bluetooth, connect to a laptop using USB, use an optical connection to a DVD player or direct to TV, or plug in a CD with RCA; access Qobuz, Tidal, and other streaming platforms via your own streamer for higher playback rates and bit depths, allowing you to experience digital music in its fullness.

Inputs: USB, TOSLINK (Optical), RCA (coax), Bluetooth.

USB - All standard PCM sample rates up to 384kHz. DSD64 and DS128 (also known as DSD 1x and DSD 2x). DoP64 and DoP128 (also known as DoP 1x and DoP 2x).
Bluetooth - 48kHz upsampled to 211kHz.
Optical (Toslink) - up to 48kHz, 24 bit (limitation of optical receiver jack module) upsampled to 211kHz.
Coax - up to 192kHz, upsampled to 211kHz.

About the I/50 Phono Card Module:

The Audio Research Phono Card for I/50 integrated amplifier is an optional upgrade that allows for high-quality vinyl playback. With its carefully engineered circuitry and premium components, this phono card delivers exceptional sound quality with a rich, natural tonality that brings vinyl recordings to life. The Phono module provides 42 dB of gain, allowing a wide choice of moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges.

SPECIFICATIONS

Amplifier Specifications

Power Output: 50 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% per channel, below 0.1% at 1 watt
(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 critical)
Power Bandwidth: (-3dB points) 10Hz to 22kHz
Frequency Response: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 7Hz to 30kHz
Input Sensitivity: 1.25V RMS for rated output.
Input Impedance: 100K ohms Balanced, 48K ohms Single Ended
Output Polarity: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)
Output Taps: 8 ohms, 4 ohms
Power Requirements: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 252 watts at rated output.
Tubes Required: 2 matched pair 6550WE; 3-6922 (1 input, 2 driver).
Dimensions:
Width 16.5” (42 cm)
Height 7.25” (18 cm)
Depth 13.5” (34 cm)
Weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg); 51 lbs (23.1kg) shipping weight.

Inputs: USB, TOSLINK (Optical), RCA (coax), Bluetooth.

USB - All standard PCM sample rates up to 384kHz. DSD64 and DS128 (also known as DSD 1x and DSD 2x). DoP64 and DoP128 (also known as DoP 1x and DoP 2x).
Bluetooth - 48kHz upsampled to 211kHz.
Optical (Toslink) - up to 48kHz, 24 bit (limitation of optical receiver jack module) upsampled to 211kHz.
Coax - up to 192kHz, upsampled to 211kHz.

Phono Module

Gain: 42dB

I/50 Integrated Manual

I/50 Integrated Brochure

REVIEWS/AWARDS

StereoNET UK Review (Stereonet Applause) | Feb. 7, 2023
Hi-Fi News Cover Feature & Review (Outstanding Product) | October 2022
HifiClube.net Review - Tubes rock (2022 Editor's Choice Award - Integrated Amp)
L&B Tech Reviews - One foot in the past and one in the future (Outstanding Rating) | July 6, 2022
Paragon Sight & Sound - New to tubes? Start with the Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amp | Video (YouTube)
Audio Art Magazine - "Best Value of the Year" 2023 & 2022
HiFi Review - "Best Buy of the Year" 2022 - Integrated Amplifier Category

Sleek, Versatile, and Compact--Without Compromise. The I/50 is a truly integrated solution with the best of all worlds:digital and analog, beauty and function, size and power. Legendary ARC Engineering Designed in-house with the same level of care and attention as Audio Research's Reference Series products. Made in the USA Each I/50 is hand-crafted in Minnesota and receives a listening test with Audio Research sonic designer, Warren Gehl. Small but Mighty 50 watts of all-vacuum tube power, packed in a size-conscious chassis, drive a wide variety of speakers with beautiful and lifelike music. Modular & Customizable Add the optional Phono Card module for high-quality vinyl playback, or the DAC Card module for powerful digital compatibility--or both! Durable Cerakote Finish Cerakote finish for a beautiful, long-lasting look and easy maintenance. Available in six colors: black, silver, red, white, gold, and blue. The Best of All Worlds Approachable enough for tube amp newbies, but impressive enough for seasoned audiophiles, the I/50 moves high-end home audio into the future. THE I/50 IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE:EXCLUSIVELY FROM PARAGON SIGHT & SOUND No Local ARC Dealer? No Problem. The I/50 is now available for purchase online & can be shipped to the 48 continental United States--exclusively from trusted online retailer Paragon Sight & Sound.Free shipping to the 48-state continental USA - read our shipping policyAll in-stock model finishes will ship within 2 days of order placement; all other orders will ship in 3-5 days15-day returns and exchanges - read our returns and exchanges policyUnlimited after-sale product support from Paragon's friendly, expert sales team BEHIND THE I/50: DESIGN & MANUFACTURING Designed by Audio Research's engineering team and meticulously refined by sonic designer Warren Gehl (pictured), the I/50 has received the same level of care and expertise as ARC's revered Reference Series products. Handcrafted by a team of skilled technicians and expert craftspeople in Audio Research's Minnesota facility, the I/50 is their first product to be entirely finished in-house. Each unit must pass a listening test with Warren before it leaves the facility.The Audio Research finishing lab encompasses a purpose-built painting facility and laser imaging and marking machines to produce a luxurious finish normally found only on much more expensive products. Available in six colors, the I/50's Cerakote finish is not only beautiful, but designed to be enduring and easy to maintain. Why Cerakote? I/50 DESIGN & FEATURES COMPACT BUT POWERFUL Despite its compact size, the I/50 does not compromise on performance and is ideal for smaller spaces or setups. The I/50's impressive power supply and high current design ensure that it delivers controlled and dynamic playback, even when paired with challenging speakers. VERSATILITY FOR ANY LISTENER Boasting three single-ended inputs, one XLR input, 4- and 8- Ohm speaker taps, and a headphone jack, the I/50 is ideal for a range of systems. The SE3 input can also be used as a home theater bypass, allowing you to amplify the two front channels of your home theater system. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules – a Phono Stage and a just-released DAC Card. EASY SETUP & OPERATION The I/50 is designed to be easy to use, and has three controls on its top panel – Power, Input, and Volume. Two LexieTubes® provide display information for input selection and volume. A full-function metal remote control is included for further functionality and operation. An optional tube cage is also available. POWERFUL UPGRADES Customize your I/50 with one or both of our optional audio modules. We will install them before the unit reaches your door, so no extra setup is required! NEW! DAC Card Module The I/50 DAC Module supports multiple connection options and an array of decoding formats to accommodate the wide spectrum of digital music formats and resolutions. Stream wirelessly with Bluetooth, connect to a laptop using USB, use an optical connection with a DVD player, or plug in a CD with RCA; access Qobuz, Tidal, and other streaming platforms with your own streamer for higher playback rates and bit depths, allowing you to experience music in its fullness. Phono Stage Module The I/50 Phono Card module is an optional upgrade that allows for high-quality vinyl playback. With its carefully engineered circuitry and premium components, this phono card delivers exceptional sound quality with a rich, natural tonality that brings vinyl recordings to life. The Phono module provides 42 dB of gain, and allows for a wide choice of moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges. I/50 REAR CONNECTIONS W/ PHONO + DAC MODULES INSTALLED THE REVIEWS ARE IN: "...so categorically musical, competent, and complete that I'm tempted to believe it signifies the 'second coming' of Audio Research...This astounding amplifier heralds a golden age. Yes, it's that good." Ken Kessler - HiFi News Read The Review > "...a no-nonsense, high-quality slice of valve amplification capable of driving almost any loudspeaker...If you've ever wondered about the sonic capability of classic thermionic power, here's a fantastic opportunity to test the tubes." John Pickford - StereoNET Read The Review > José Victor Henriques - HifiClube.net "Its intrinsic fluidity and musicality captivate the listener across all musical genres. Its inner brilliance and overall smoothness hook the listener record after record. There is melody, harmony and rhythm. In a word, there is music!" Read The Review > Lasse Svendsen - LB Tech Reviews "Very well executed and dynamic. Surprisingly powerful. Super-resolution and three-dimensional sound image...the Audio Research I/50 could be one of the most successful amp buys in this price range." Read The Review > Alan Circom - hi-fi+, Issue 217 "...people often complain that once that honeymoon period is done, the equipment tends to sit unused. That just won’t happen with the I/50; it’s so musically engaging and fun, it will be the centrepiece of your music listening for years to come.""There are two key points defining what makes the I/50 sound so good; a lifelike vocal projection and articulation and a soundstage that is as holographic and inviting as the recording and speakers allow. These are perhaps the reason the Audio Research of old is in very safe hands in the shape of the I/50; these a key performance aspects of most Audio Research products and are echoed here." Read The Review > Other Awards: AUDIO RESEARCH & PARAGON:A Dealer/Brand Partnership Built to Last Paragon Sight & Sound and Audio Research have a long-standing, trusted dealer/brand partnership that ensures the best protection of your investment--before, during, and after the sale.Our online launch of the I/50 in 2023 shows our mutual dedication to getting excellent, high-end audio products into the hands of more people through accessibility, use case flexibility, ease of use, and amazing customer service. Buy the I/50 Online Now!

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Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier

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