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Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. 150.2 Amplifier (SS) by mg16

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REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. 150.2 Amplifier (SS)

24.239.219.147


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Model: 150.2
Category: Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $2500
Description: 150W Class-T Stereo Power Amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Audio Research, Inc.
Model Picture: View

Review by mg16 on October 01, 2013 at 09:50:34
IP Address: 24.239.219.147
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for the 150.2


I've owned this amp for about a year. Bought it used on Audiogon from a great guy, who gave me a great deal. Although I love tubes in general, (my preamp and phono stage are ARC tube units), my current speakers are extremly power hungry, and 200 watts of quality tube power, is out of my budget range. The 150.2 drives the Rennasaince 90's nicely. Beautiful airy highs, realistic sounding voices, and ,(not the last word in low end power), but when called on solid bass that couples to the room nicely. My room is rectangular, 12' wide by 24' long, with 8' ceiling. Speakers are about 6 feet out from the rear wall, firing into the long dimension.
Soundstage extends side wall to side wall, and forward toward the listening position, on good recordings. I have owned lesser powered tube amps in the past, mated to more efficient speakers. Including, Audio Research, Cary,Quicksilver, Dynaco, and several home built. I love how they can immerse you in a warm, lush soundstage. I find myself not missing that too much with this amp.It is leaner, yes, but with more inner detail and speed. I also found that changing from Bugle Boy 6dj8 to Jan Sylvania 7308 tubes in the preamp, adds back just a little of that "lushness".
Power is all I could ask for. It does 300 watts per channel into my 4 ohm load infinitys.
All in all, it delivers more than enough listening enjoyment with my favorite music; And I don't find myself wanting to replace it with something better; at least not now. That is something I have almost always experienced with other solid state amps.


Product Weakness: Can be a little lean on some recordings, especially if you are used to tube lushness.
Product Strengths: Power, inner detail, soundstage, looks, and its an Audio Research product .


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Audio Research Corp. 150.2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Audio Research LS-15
Sources (CDP/Turntable): VPI Scout/Denon/ARC CD3
Speakers: Infinity Rennasaince 90
Cables/Interconnects: Cardas Quadlink 5C
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Rock/Jazz/Electronic/Country
Room Size (LxWxH): 24' x 12' x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: 1 set room tunes covering glass
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Audio Research, Inc. 150.2 Amplifier (SS) - mg16 09:50:34 10/1/13 ( 2)