Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier

Price
$5,500.00
Options:I/50 Only
Finish:Silver

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
In stock! Usually ships within 24 hours.
Availability: This product is available for purchase in-store only. Contact us for more information.

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 unit is hand-crafted in Minnesota and receives a listening test with Audio Research sonic designer, Warren Gehl.
Small but Mighty
50 watts per channel of all-vacuum tube power, packed in a size-conscious chassis.
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.
The Best of All Worlds
Approachable enough for tube amp newbies, but impressive enough for seasoned audiophiles.

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 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.

I/50 REAR CONNECTIONS

W/ PHONO + DAC MODULES INSTALLED