audio research Reference 80S Stereo Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 4, 2024
- audio research
Table of Contents
Reference 80S
Stereo Amplifier
Reference 80S Stereo Amplifier
The Reference 80S stereo amplifier continues Audio Research’s latest design
effort in creating a vacuum-tube amplifier that not only redefines ultimate
music reproduction but does it in an incredibly beautiful package.
The 80S was created for the music lover who does not require the output power
of its larger siblings, the Reference 160S stereo and 160M mono amplifiers.
The 80S continues the design ethos, including dual GhostMeters® that float in
front of four KT150 output tubes. Extruded panels, a vital part of the all-
aluminum chassis, provide rigidity and beauty.
Built by hand, from the ground up in our Maple Grove, Minnesota facility, this
is created in service of the music, bringing it to life in every sense of the
word. Listening through the 80S is a compelling experience, never a mental
exercise. Set up appropriately, the 80S can fool you into feeling you are in
the presence of the musical performance: The finest details are heard, with
rich harmonics and full dynamic contrasts–from the smallest whisper to the
largest crescendo–showcased with the ambiance of the original acoustic space.
Whatever your reference speakers may be, the Reference 80S will elevate their
performance to a new plateau.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Output: 70 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic
distortion typically 1% at 140 watts (33 watts in Triode mode) per channel,
below 0.04% 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) 7Hz to 68kHz. Frequency Response:
(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.7Hz to 94kHz. Input Sensitivity: 1.4V RMS Balanced
for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms); 0.7V RMS SE for rated output.
Input Impedance: 300k ohms Balanced; 75k ohms Single-ended. Output Polarity:
Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268). Output Taps: 16 ohms, 8 ohms,
4 ohms. Output Regulation: Approximately 1.0dB 16 Ohm load to open circuit
(Damping factor approximately 8). Overall Negative Feedback: 15dB. Slew Rate:
10 volts/microsecond Rise Time: 4.0 microseconds. Power Requirements:
105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 420 watts at rated output, 280 watts in
Triode mode, 221 watts at “idle”, 3.6 watts off Units for Japan: 100VAC
50/60Hz Tube Complement: 2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 2 6H30
(Gain stage V5 and V6). Dimensions: Width 18.5” (47 cm) chassis; 19.0” (48.26
cm) faceplate, Height 10.5” (26 cm), Depth
18.5” (47 cm). With Handles and Connectors: 21” (53.3 cm). Weight: 62 lbs.
(28.2 kg) Net; 73 lbs. (32.7 kg) Shipping.
HIGH DEFINITION ®
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