The current Reference Series amplifiers are some of the most awarded amplifiers Audio Research has created – each amplifier has been designated Amplifier of the Year or Component of the Year from major trade magazines. In spite of such great success, the engineers and designers at Audio Research have been hard at work creating the new state-of-the-art in music reproduction.
After announcing that the GS150 amplifier would feature the new KT150 output tube, we were asked whether we would incorporate them in our Reference amplifiers. Not satisfied with merely changing output tubes, we decided to also include substantial performance upgrades in the Reference amplifiers to coincide with the changeover to the KT150.
In addition to changing from the KT120 to the KT150 output tube, there are a number of active and passive parts changes in the SE amplifiers that result in dramatic sonic improvements. Simply put, they are better in every way: purity and lack of grain, resolution, micro- and macro-dynamics, separation and instrumental focus, phase and time coherence, and greatly improved bass weight, authority and control. These improvements are immediate and gratifying.
Reference 75, 150, and 250 amplifiers can be fully upgraded to include all SE enhancements, adding further value and performance for owners of existing amplifiers. Upgrades for the U.S. and Canada will be performed as a factory upgrade, while customers outside North America can contact their distributor to schedule their upgrade.
