THE AUDIO RESEARCH I/50 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER IS THE FIRST PRODUCT IN THEIR NEW SERIES

The Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier is the first product in an all-new series from Audio Research.

Hand-crafted in Minnesota, USA, the Audio Research I/50 integrated amplifier is built with the same attention to detail as all other Audio Research products each one gets its own listening test with sonic designer, Warren Gehl.

Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier in classic silver

MODULAR DESIGN

Available in six colours, the Audio Research I/50 features Cerakote finishes for a beautiful and long-lasting look. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules – a Phono Stage, and a DAC (to come in 2022). The high current, 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of speakers. A headphone jack allows for more private listening.

Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier schematic

AUDIO RESEARCH I/50 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

The I/50 is designed to be easy to use and has three controls on its top panel – Power, Input, and Volume. Two LexieTubes® provide display information for input selection and volume. Two matched pairs of 6550WE vacuum tubes, along with three 6922 tubes, stand in front of the perforated transformer cover. Three single-ended inputs and one XLR input provide connectivity for most systems, along with 4- and 8- Ohm speaker taps to accommodate your speaker of choice. One input can be assigned for pass-through function. A full-function metal remote control provides further functionality and operation. An optional tube cage will be available.

SIX COLOURS

As with all Audio Research products, the I/50 is built entirely the high end brand’s Minnesota facility by a team of skilled technicians and craftspeople. Offered in six colours, the I/50 is the first product completely finished in-house. The Audio Research finishing lab encompasses a purpose-built painting facility and laser imaging and marking machines. The Cerakote finish was chosen to be not only beautiful, but designed to be enduring and easy to maintain.

The Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier comes in six colours

50 WATTS OF VALVE POWER

Although compact the Audio Research has 50 watts of all-vacuum tube power. The Phono module provides 42 dB of gain, allowing a wide choice of moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges. The D/A Converter will have multiple connection options and an array of decoding formats to accommodate the wide spectrum of music formats and resolutions.

Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier in blue

AUDIO RESEARCH I/50 SPECIFICATIONS

Power Output: 50 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% per channel, below 0.1% 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) 10Hz to 22kHz

Frequency Response: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 7Hz to 30kHz

Input Sensitivity: 1.25V RMS for rated output.

Input Impedance: 100K ohms Balanced, 48K ohms Single Ended

Output Polarity: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)

Output Taps: 8 ohms, 4 ohms

Power Requirements: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 252 watts at rated output.

Tubes Required: 2 matched pair 6550WE; 3-6922 (1 input, 2 driver).

Dimensions: Width 16.5” (42 cm) Height 7.25” (18 cm) Depth 13.5” (34 cm)

Weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg); 51 lbs (23.1kg) shipping weight.

Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amplifier in red

AUDIO RESEARCH I/50 PRICE

Suggested retail price is $5000 USD

Audio Research is distributed in the UK by Absolute Sounds

UK RRP is £5,698 inc. VAT

HiFi Pig Says: A fresh new look from Audio Research with what promises to be an affordable (in high end terms) and user friendly valve integrated amp

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