Audio Research REF 160M User Manual

Audio Research REF 160M User Manual

Vacuum tube monoblock amplifier

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REF 160M
VACUUM TUBE MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIER
User's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Audio Research REF 160M

  • Page 1 REF 160M VACUUM TUBE MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIER User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 Customers Come First Quality Every Day Advancing Our Legacy Commitment to Excellence...
  • Page 3 Our attention to detail, customer service, and product support create unprecedented value. An Audio Research component is more than a purchase, it’s an investment. We understand you are eager to Thank You.
  • Page 4: Safety Instructions

    Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “Dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equi-lateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (Servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
  • Page 5 Safety Instructions 12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14.
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety Instructions ........2 Maintenance ..........15 Vacuum Tubes ..........15 Warnings............5 Servicing ............15 A note about packaging........5 Caution ............15 Cleaning ............15 Installation ...........6 Disposal and Recycling Guidelines ..... 15 Top view ............6 Warranty............. 16 Before operating the reference 160M ..6 In your system ..........
  • Page 7: Warnings

    Do not operate with should prove necessary, or other occasion covers removed. Refer servicing to your requiring shipment occurs, the original authorized Audio Research dealer or other packaging will protect your Reference 160M qualified personnel. from unnecessary damage or delay.
  • Page 8: Installation

    Installation Top View 6H30 Vacuum Tubes KT150 KT150 Vacuum Tubes Vacuum Tubes Before operating the Reference 160M triode driver tubes. Proceed according to the Your Reference 160M amplifier is shipped following instructions. with the vacuum tubes packed in foam blocks. These must be unpacked and Remove only the screws fastening the top installed before you attempt to operate cover.
  • Page 9: In Your System

    Installation Carefully remove each vacuum tube from If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure its protective foam and match its location such as an equipment rack, make certain ‘V’ number (written on the base of the tube) that adequate airflow above, to each side, to the ‘V’...
  • Page 10: Connections

    Connect your preamplifier’s output to the REF 160M input connector before turning on the amplifier. Do not connect the balanced XLR input connector and single-ended RCA input connector at the same time –connect one or the other in the same way for both channels.
  • Page 11: Matching

    When connecting Loudspeakers to the REF 160M it is very important to use cables of adequate size, so there is little to no power loss in the cables. The size is specified in Gauge Numbers or AWG (American WireGauge).
  • Page 12: Remote Turn-On

    The power cord supplied with the Reference RS-232 Control 160M has a standard grounding plug to The REF 160M has an RS-232 connector on provide maximum safety when properly the back panel, in the event the amplifier connected to a grounded wall receptacle.
  • Page 13: Operation

    Operation Front Panel Controls and Displays Power Meter Tube Status Power On/O Tube Status Ultralinear/ Meter Light Triode mode Tube Monitor plugs of that equipment to minimize system Other equipment in the system should have hum. Generally, the lowest hum is achieved some form of isolation to prevent ground when the only direct connection between loops and associated hum.
  • Page 14: Start-Up

    Operation Start-Up Shut-Down • Secure interconnects between the amplifier • Mute preamplifier output. and your preamplifier; attach speaker leads to the appropriate output terminals. • Turn off Reference 160M via front panel power switch. (or 12V trigger or RS-232) • Attach supplied power cord to rear IEC inlet of amplifier, and plug other end into •...
  • Page 15: Front Panel Button Functions

    Operation Front Panel Button Functions Balanced/Single Ended Power Select balanced switch position for balanced Turns power of REF 160M on or off. input connection operation or single-ended switch position for single-ended input Meter Light connection operation. Do not connect BAL Adjusts meter light LED display brightness and SE cables simultaneously.
  • Page 16: Auto Bias

    Aftermarket tubes may not be tested to the same rigorous standards as Audio Research tests, so care must be exercised when aftermarket tubes are installed by a qualified technician. uncertain...
  • Page 17: Maintenance

    Or, contact your amplifier, please contact the Customer Audio Research Corporation (763.577.9700) Support Department of Audio Research for the name of your importing distributor Corporation at service@audioresearch.com and how to contact them. Packing and or call 763-577-9700.
  • Page 18: Warranty

    In the unlikely event that technical service to the retailer or importer. beyond the ability of the importer is required, Audio Research will fulfill the terms and In the United States, the specific terms, conditions of the Limited Warranty. Such conditions and remedies for fulfillment product must be returned at the purchaser’s...
  • Page 19 REF160M Specifications POWER OUTPUT: 140 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% at 140 watts, 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) 5Hz to 70kHz.
  • Page 20: Specification

    6655 Wedgewood Rd N., Suite 115 Maple Grove, MN 55311 www.audioresearch.com Specifications subject to change without notice. ©2018 Audio Research Corporation. Reproduction of this document in part or whole is expressly forbidden without written consent from Audio Research Corporation. 95000020 Rev B...

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