Audio Research
United States
audioresearch.comAbout Audio Research
Audio Research Corporation (ARC) is a legendary American high-end audio equipment manufacturer founded by William Zane Johnson in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Johnson, a visionary engineer who served in the Army after World War II, was credited with pioneering the revival of vacuum tube amplification technology in the 1970s when the industry had largely abandoned tubes for transistors. The company is renowned for manufacturing premium tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and integrated amplifiers that are hand-built in their Minnesota facility. ARC has been instrumental in establishing the concept of high-end audio as it exists today. After Johnson's passing in 2011, the company underwent ownership changes, including acquisition by Italian group Quadrivio in 2008, then by McIntosh Group, and most recently by TWS Enterprises LLC in 2020. Following a restructuring in 2023, Audio Research continues to operate from its 48,000 square-foot facility, maintaining its reputation for advancing the state-of-the-art in music reproduction with American-made craftsmanship.
Read moreHiFi Editorial
Audio Research S-100 Stereo Power Amplifier Expands the Brand’s Solid-State Line
Audio Research expands beyond tube designs with the S-100 stereo power amplifier, a solid-state Class A/B model targeting demanding high-end stereo systems.
The dual-mono architecture uses two independent toroidal transformers and fully balanced circuitry, minimizing crosstalk while ensuring stable power delivery under dynamic loads.
Rated at 100 W per channel into 8 ohms and doubling to 200 W into 4 ohms, the S-100 offers high current capability for low-impedance speakers.
HiFi Editorial
Audio Research I/55 Tube Integrated Amplifier with Optional DAC and Phono Stage Debuts in Europe
Audio Research I/55 is a compact tube integrated amplifier derived from I/70, succeeding I/50, targeting high-end listeners seeking classic tube sound with modern connectivity.
Fully tube-based amplification uses matched pairs of 6550 output tubes and 6922 input/driver tubes, adding Auto-Bias for continuous idle-current control without manual adjustment.
Rated at 2 × 50 W, the upgraded tube preamp offers wider gain range, stronger dynamics, Pre-Out outputs, and improved control with demanding loudspeakers.
HiFi Editorial
Audio Research D-80 Reference Series Fully Balanced 70 Wpc KT150 Tube Stereo Power Amplifier
Audio Research D-80 is a fully balanced, two-channel tube power amplifier from the Reference series, delivering 70 W per channel in pentode operation.
The signal path remains fully balanced from XLR-only inputs to speaker terminals, minimizing noise and targeting modern high-end balanced preamplifiers.
Each channel uses matched KT150 output tubes with 6H30 drivers, covering 7 Hz–68 kHz at −3 dB and handling complex speaker loads confidently.
HiFi Editorial
Audio Research I/70 – Tube Integrated Amplifier with Expandable Functionality
Audio Research introduces the I/70 integrated amplifier, featuring 70W per channel output via four 6550 vacuum tubes.
Expandable functionality includes optional modules for digital sources (USB-B, S/PDIF, Bluetooth) and MM/MC vinyl record players.
Automatic bias system ensures optimal tube operation, extending lifespan and maintaining consistent audio performance.
HiFi Editorial
Audio Research I/70: Incorporation of KT120 Valves Enhancing Dynamics
The Audio Research I/70 integrated amplifier, part of the 'I' series, targets discerning audiophiles with enhanced performance and user-friendly features.
Initially designed with 6550 power tubes, the production model now incorporates KT120 tubes, improving transparency, dynamics, texture, spatiality, and tonal quality.
This model is positioned as a significant advancement over its predecessor, the I/50, offering 70 watts per channel output.
Audio Research Reference 330M Debuts at High End Munich 2024: A Game-Changing Tube Amplifier
Audio Research unveiled the 330-watt/channel Reference 330M tube amplifier at High End Munich 2024.
Innovative design combines ECC83 tube, 6H30 stage, and silicon carbide JFETs for enhanced dynamics and tonal richness.
Features include solid-state/tube power regulation, balanced/single-ended inputs, and 4/8 Ohm outputs.
Experience Munich High End Show Magic as Audio Research Unleashes the 330M
Reference 330M Monoblocks feature 330 watts powered by vacuum tubes for high clarity and fidelity.
New circuit topology and tube regulation provide enhanced efficiency and sound stability.
Combines nostalgic tube aesthetics with a modern design twist.
Join the HiFi.fan community to discuss experiences with Audio Research gear.