Owner's Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

HIGH DEFINITION

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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 aected 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 o 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.

The Reference 80S stereo ampliﬁer continues Audio Research’s latest

design eort 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 ambience of the

original acoustic space. Whatever your reference speakers may be,

the Reference 80S will elevate their performance to a new plateau.