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I own Bliss Hifi, a high-end audio boutique based in Minnesota. This Audio Research Reference 160S stereo power amplifier is in on consignment from one of my local clients. It is the black finish. The unit is in like-new condition and in perfect working order. Single owner, purchased in 2021. The tube hour meter reads only 375 hours on the original tube complement, which speaks to how lightly this unit was used. Audio Research rates the KT150 output tubes for approximately 3,000 hours and the 6H30P driver/input tubes for approximately 4,000 hours, so this unit has a tremendous amount of tube life remaining.

The unit comes with its original box, manual, remote control, and stock power cable.

There is a matching Audio Research Reference 160S stereo amplifier also available from the same client, along with several other components from this system. Take a look through our preowned listings to see them all.

The Reference 160S is the stereo distillation of the Reference 160M monoblocks, which swept amplifier-of-the-year honors from Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+ in a single year. That alone should tell you something about what Audio Research achieved with the 160 platform. The stereo version packs two channels of that same performance into a single 100-pound chassis, sharing one power transformer rather than having one per channel, but otherwise carrying over the same circuit topology, the same KT150 output tubes, the same proprietary auto-bias system, and the same four-layer circuit boards. In listening, the 160S does what the best tube amplifiers do: it makes music sound like music. There is a clarity and dimensional realism to the midrange that solid-state amplifiers at this price simply cannot replicate, a way of rendering voices and acoustic instruments with palpable body and texture that puts the performers in the room with you. But unlike older tube amplifiers that trade extension and grip for midrange beauty, the 160S reaches deep into the bass with genuine authority and extends cleanly into the treble without softening or rounding off transient detail. The switchable Triode/Ultralinear modes give you two distinct sonic characters from one amplifier: Ultralinear for full power and maximum dynamic headroom, Triode for a more intimate, refined presentation at lower power. The GhostMeters are stunning in person, floating in front of the glowing KT150 tubes, and they make the act of listening into something you watch as well as hear. This unit was paired with the matching Audio Research Reference 6SE preamplifier, which is also available from the same client.
There are currently several other components from this client’s system available. Take a look through our preowned listings to see them all.

Happy to answer any questions. Thanks for your consideration.

Check my stellar feedback and buy with confidence. This listing includes free insured freight shipping across the CONUS. As this is a passthrough sale that I am brokering on behalf of my client, I prefer to accept payments via PayPal F&F, Venmo Gift, or personal check, but this also gives you the opportunity to attain this at my lowest possible price. Credit card payments are also possible for a 3.1% convenience charge.

More about the unit:
The Audio Research Reference 160S is a fully balanced, Class AB stereo tube power amplifier designed and manufactured in Maple Grove, Minnesota. It follows in the footsteps of the internationally acclaimed Reference 160M monoblocks and distills that same performance into a single chassis. The tube complement consists of eight KT150 output tubes (four per channel) and four 6H30P dual-triode tubes (two per channel, serving as input and driver stages). The 160S features Audio Research’s proprietary auto-bias circuit, which continuously monitors and adjusts the bias of each output tube, eliminating the need for manual bias adjustment and extending tube life. A front-panel Tube Monitor mode activates individual LEDs for each output tube, providing at-a-glance tube health status: green indicates the tube is within spec, red indicates a tube that needs replacement. The amplifier is switchable between Ultralinear mode (140 watts per channel into 8 ohms) and Triode mode (approximately 70 watts per channel) via a front-panel switch. The dual GhostMeters are Audio Research’s signature design element, transparent acrylic-faced power meters that float in front of the output tubes, allowing the listener to watch the meter needles while viewing the glowing tubes behind them. Power output is 140 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz into 8 ohms, with 1kHz THD typically 1% at full power and below 0.04% at 1 watt. Frequency response extends from 0.5Hz to 110kHz (-3dB) at 1 watt. Input sensitivity is 2.4V RMS balanced for rated output (25.5dB gain into 8 ohms). Input impedance is 300k ohms balanced and 100k ohms single-ended. Three sets of speaker output taps are provided: 4, 8, and 16 ohms. Inputs include both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA. The chassis uses four-layer circuit boards for improved signal routing and reduced noise, a technology inherited from the 160M platform. Power requirements are 400W at rated output and 260W at idle. A 12V trigger input enables remote turn-on. The rear panel includes an output tube hour counter, cooling fan control, and auto shut-off timer. Audio Research recommends tube replacement at approximately 3,000 hours for the KT150 output tubes and 4,000 hours for the 6H30P tubes. Audio Research is headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, so factory support and service are close at hand. Dimensions: 19 x 10.25 x 21.5 inches (W x H x D); 24 inches deep with handles. Weight: 100 lbs. Stereophile Class A Recommended Component.

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