REF 150

About the REF 150

The Audio Research REF-150 is a stereo tube power amplifier featuring eight KT120 output tubes arranged in matched pairs, each pair driven by a 6H30 driver tube. It delivers 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms with a wide frequency response from 5Hz to 80kHz. The amplifier uses a fully balanced circuit topology with a single pair of balanced XLR inputs and offers three speaker output taps (4, 8, and 16 ohms). It incorporates large, high-bandwidth output transformers designed in-house and a power supply with doubled energy storage (1040 joules) for improved transparency and dynamic range. The REF-150 is fan-cooled with quiet chassis-mounted fans and uses quality copper binding posts for speaker connections. It requires a balanced preamplifier input due to the omission of a phase inverter stage, enhancing signal purity. The amplifier is praised for its lifelike sound, tonal accuracy, wideband frequency response, and exceptional bass grip, combining modern amplifier performance with the tonal richness and three-dimensionality characteristic of vacuum tubes. Dimensions are approximately 483 x 222 x 495 mm, weighing 34 kg.