The I/50 integrated valve amplifier kicks off a new series from well respected US audio firm, Audio Research.
As one of the oldest manufacturers of high-end audio equipment still in operation, Minnesota-based Audio Research knows a thing or two about vacuum tube amplification and its new I/50 Integrated Amplifier ushers in an all-new entry level series from the company.
Sharing the same attention to detail as the manufacturer’s Reference Series products, each hand crafted I/50 amp gets its own listening test with sonic designer, Warren Gehl, and features a Cerakote ceramic-coated top plate for durability and easy cleaning. There's a choice of six colours to help the I/50 make a visual statement as well as an audio one.
The high current, 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of loudspeakers and there’re two matched pairs of 6550WE vacuum tubes in the output stage, along with three 6922 tubes in the input and driver stages, all of which stand in front of a perforated transformer cover.
Three single-ended RCA inputs and one balanced 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 and there’s also a headphone jack for personal listening sessions.
Designed to be straightforward to use, there are three controls on its top panel, one each for power, input selection and volume. Visual feedback is via Two LexieTubes which provide display information for input selection and volume. There’s also a full-function metal remote control which provides further functionality and allows operation from a distance.
The modular design incorporates a phono stage which provides 42dB of gain, allowing a wide choice of moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges. Additionally, a DAC module is planned for 2022 which will feature multiple connection options and an array of decoding formats to accommodate a wide spectrum of music formats and resolutions.
The Audio Research I/50 integrated valve amplifier is distributed exclusively in the UK by Absolute Sounds and is available from October at an RRP of £5,698 inc. VAT. An optional tube cage will be available.
Source: Press Release
Image Source: Audio Research