Audio Research I/50 Full Tube Integrated Amplifier

Description

Video: American Made: AUDIO RESEARCH I/50

The I/50 Integrated Amplifier is the first product in an all-new series from Audio Research. Functionally simple, visually engaging, and musically sublime - the I/50 takes music listening to a whole new experience. Hand-crafted in Minnesota, the I/50 is built with the same attention to detail as all other Audio Research products - each one even gets its own listening test with sonic designer, Warren Gehl. Available in six colors, the 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 D/A Converter (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 personal listening time.
 

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.

As with all Audio Research products, the I/50 is built entirely in our Minnesota facility by a team of skilled technicians and expert craftspeople. Offered in six colors, 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 to produce a luxurious finish normally found only on much more expensive products. The Cerakote finish is not only beautiful, but designed to be enduring and easy to maintain.

The performance of the I/50 belies its compact design. 50 watts of all-vacuum tube power energize your speakers with beautiful and lifelike music. Designed by the Audio Research engineering team and fine-tuned by Warren Gehl, the I/50 has been given the same level of care and attention as our Reference Series products. The ability of the I/50 to reconstruct a musical experience will thrill and excite all who hear it. Thanks to the substantial power supply and high current design, the I/50 provides controlled and dynamic playback - even on challenging speakers. 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. The I/50 is a truly integrated product while providing renowned Audio Research performance and sound quality.

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).

Price: $5500

Optional Phono Board: (MM or High Output MC) - $750

Note: Due to tight spacing of the speaker output binding posts, banana connections are suggested.