Audio Research
Audio Research Reference 80S Stereo Amplifier
Best tube amplifier for audiophiles seeking refined, natural, and immersive sound.
Experience the pinnacle of tube amplification with the Audio Research Reference 80S Stereo Amplifier. This amplifier is meticulously designed to deliver music with unparalleled precision and natural warmth. It features two KT150 tubes per channel, offering Reference-level performance in a sophisticated package. Praised for its engaging soundstage and smooth, fatigue-free treble, it excels in revealing subtle details. While it prioritizes refined tube sound over sheer brute force, it's an ideal choice for discerning audiophiles seeking an authentic and immersive listening experience.
$18500.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
37
/ 1664
#37 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+124%
Above average
Power Output
808
/ watts per channel into ohms
Who it's for
- Collectors prioritizing long-term reliability and iconic high-end industrial design
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and emotionally resonant listening experience
- Listeners wanting to tailor amplifier performance to specific speaker pairings
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious owners wary of ongoing tube replacement expenses
- Users with limited ventilation or small, temperature-sensitive listening spaces
- Mainstream consumers seeking high-performance audio at accessible price points
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Reveals micro-details with a natural, fatigue-free clarity.
Soundstage Depth
Creates an expansive, organic, and deeply immersive listening environment.
Build Integrity
Hand-assembled craftsmanship ensures lasting reliability and premium tactile feedback.
Tube Versatility
Switchable modes allow for precise tuning of harmonic character.
Dynamic Authority
Prioritizes refined musicality over raw, high-wattage power delivery.
Signal Purity
Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio maintains silence during quiet musical passages.
Key Specs
Power Output
80 watts per channel into 8 ohms
Frequency Response
0.5 Hz to 120 kHz (-3dB points at 80 watts)
Input Impedance
300k ohms Balanced, 100k ohms Single-ended
Output Impedance
0.5 ohms (at 20Hz to 20kHz)
Weight
28.2 kg Net
Dimensions
18.5" W x 10.5" H x 18.5" D
Input Connectors
XLR, RCA
Signal to Noise Ratio
110 dB (A-weighted)
Features
- Switchable Ultralinear and Triode tube modes
- Delivers power with exceptional subtlety
- Creates an engaging, organic soundstage
- Hand-wired, hand-soldered, and hand-assembled
- Silky, resolved top end minimizes fatigue
- Utilizes KT150 power beam tetrodes
- Balanced and single-ended inputs
- Robust, premium component construction
What customers say
Owners consistently praise the Audio Research Reference 80S Stereo Amplifier for its outstanding sound quality and musicality. It masterfully combines classic tube warmth with modern clarity, creating an expansive soundstage. Instruments sound remarkably natural, and the amplifier demonstrates impressive authority in the lower frequencies, easily driving demanding speakers. The robust build quality and reference level performance offer excellent value for dedicated audiophiles seeking a deep emotional connection to their music. Satisfaction is extremely high, highlighting its unparalleled ability to bring music to life.
Know before you buy
Ultralinear mode provides the full 80 watts of power with a more dynamic, punchy sound, while Triode mode reduces power output to offer a more intimate, harmonically rich, and relaxed presentation. The ability to switch between these modes allows you to tailor the amplifier's character to your specific speakers and listening preferences.
With 80 watts per channel, the Reference 80S is designed for refinement and musicality rather than brute force. While it handles most high-quality speakers with ease, it is best suited for speakers with moderate to high sensitivity rather than extremely power-hungry designs.
Like all high-end tube amplifiers, the KT150 tubes will eventually require replacement depending on your usage habits. The Reference 80S is designed for longevity, but you should budget for periodic tube replacement to maintain the amplifier's signature clarity and performance.
Yes, the Reference 80S is equipped with both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs. This flexibility allows it to integrate seamlessly into a wide variety of high-end audio systems.
The unit measures 18.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high and 18.5 inches deep, weighing approximately 28.2 kg. Because it is a tube amplifier, you must ensure it is placed on a sturdy surface with adequate ventilation space above and around the chassis to allow heat to dissipate properly.
The Reference 80S features dedicated output taps for 4, 8, and 16-ohm speakers. This ensures that you can achieve optimal power transfer and impedance matching for a wide range of speaker designs.
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