Reference 75 vs VS115
The VS115's power @ 8ω is 120W against the Reference 75's 75W, its signal-to-noise 104 dB against 112 dB, and its power @ 4ω 120W against 76W. Both share damping factor (8).
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The Audio Research Reference 75 is a balanced hybrid stereo power amplifier from Audio Research's prestigious Reference series, designed for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality without excessive power. It features a simple yet refined circuit with JFET input, 6H30 driver tubes, and KT120 (or KT150 in SE variant) output tubes in an ultralinear partially cathode-coupled topology. Praised for its fluid midrange free of hardness, insightful and smooth treble, graceful dynamics, and superior transparency, it excels with conventional speaker loads in non-palatial rooms. The front panel includes twin VU meters showing instantaneous power output, typically low even at high volumes due to efficient transient handling. Rear connectivity includes balanced XLR inputs and screw-down speaker terminals for 4/8-ohm taps. It offers a 12V DC remote turn-on circuit and requires balanced preamp output. The amplifier is no longer manufactured, superseded by models like the Reference 75SE and Reference 80S.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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Components that show up alongside the Reference 75 in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The VS115's power @ 8ω is 120W against the Reference 75's 75W, its signal-to-noise 104 dB against 112 dB, and its power @ 4ω 120W against 76W. Both share damping factor (8).
The REF 110's power @ 8ω is 110W against the Reference 75's 75W, its signal-to-noise 106 dB against 112 dB, its damping factor 12 against 8, and its thd 0.300% against 0.600%.
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The VSi-60's power @ 8ω is 50W against the Reference 75's 75W, its signal-to-noise 106 dB against 112 dB, its thd 1.500% against 0.600%, and its damping factor 4 against 8.
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The MC275 VI's power @ 4ω is 75W against the Reference 75's 76W, its signal-to-noise 105 dB against 112 dB, and its thd 0.500% against 0.600%. Both share power @ 8ω (75W).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
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