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Audio Research
REFERENCE 210
Monaural Amplifier
Call us for a demonstration: 973-239-1799
Following the successful introduction of the
Reference 610T, it is time for a more affordable, compact amplifier to fill the void left by the
discontinuation of the VTM200 and REF300MKII. We are pleased to announce the introduction of
the new Reference 210 monoblock, a product which will allow a greater number of music lovers
access to the Reference series of amplifiers.
The Reference 210 presents a familiar yet
distinctive appearance. The chassis is enclosed, with a thick front panel the same height and width
as the VT100/VTM200, but with a vacuum-flourescent display screen like the one featured
on the REF3 and REF610T. The chassis is 19.5" deep (plus handles) and has an internal frame like
the 150M, with a one-piece ventilated cover that wraps around the top and sides. The front panel
is available in Natural or Black finishes.
The vacuum-flourescent display has the same
functions as the display on the REF610T, but they are addressable only through the handheld
remote control. Functions include the choice of six levels of illumination, plus off; bias measurements
for each output tube; A.C. line voltage; logarithmic, scalable power output (0-10, 0-50, 0-100, 0-200
watts); and total hours of tube use.
The internal layout is all new, with the main circuit
boards mounted horizontally instead of vertically. The transformers are mounted on a raised central
channel running front to back; on one side of the channel is a large circuit board containing all of the
audio stages, and on the other side is a large circuit board with the power supply, contributing
to a very clean and attractive appearance. There is a small Papst fan mounted on the rear panel to
circulate air over the audio stages. The 12V D.C. fan runs continuously at a fixed low speed
whenever the amplifier is powered-up.
Power output is 210 watts continuous. Like the
REF610T, the REF210 is based upon a push-pull, fully balanced vacuum-tube circuit running in
partial cathode coupling mode, utilizing three matched pairs of 6550C output tubes. The REF210
uses two 6550C driver tubes, each controlling three output tubes operating in unison. The input
stage uses direct-coupled JFETs, followed by a 6N1P vacuum-tube amplifying stage. As with the
REF610T, the biasing system is very simple, with only two bias adjustments.
Power supply energy storage is a monstrous 787 joules, three-quarters the size of the REF610T.
(Compare that with the REF300MKII's 448 joules.) Shared with the REF610T are new proprietary
coupling caps and extensive film-cap bypassing of all electrolytics in the power supply. There is tube
regulation of the input stage, with six additional solid-state regulators. Power supply rectification is
solid-state with a total of seven regulators. The massive, custom output transformer is an ultra
-widebandwidth design: the frequency response of the REF210 is an incredible 0.5Hz to 240kHz (
-3dB). Also, as in the REF610T, 50% coupling of the output stage cathodes to the transformer
yields both higher efficiency and better sound than conventional pentode or triode operation.
Input is balanced only, while the output has separate taps for 4-8-16 ohm speaker loads. As
expected, there is a 20A IEC connector for power, but unlike the REF610T, the REF210 has a 12V
trigger to allow remote turn-on.
Sonically the Reference 210 is simply stunning in
every respect. Resolution of detail is uncanny, with a vivid, transparent, you-are-there quality
that is captivating. The performers are not mere images, but have real body, weight and presence.
The soundstage is unbounded, with palpable space and air. Fine dynamic shadings and
crescendos alike are unrestrained. And, bass impact, speed and articulation are a revelation.
Once you have heard them, you will not soon forget the magic of these amplifiers.
Be sure to schedule an appointment with your Audio Research dealer to audition the Reference
210 amplifiers soon - you will never regret it.
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Audio Research
REFERENCE CD7
Vacuum Tube
CDPlayer/Transport
Call us for a demonstration: 973-239-1799
The CD3 has proven to be one of the most respected, highly-praised CD players available anywhere. Nonetheless, we have been asked
repeatedly when we might bring out an even higher-performance, Reference-level model to
complement the CD3MKII.
Try as we might, it was not until we had the
remarkable circuit of the REF3 preamp that we knew we had the missing link: a gain stage so
pure and revelatory that it could finally push CD-player performance well beyond the limits
of the CD3MKII. So, we are pleased to introduce the Reference CD7 vacuum-tube
player / transport - the first digital product from Audio Research to justify the "Reference"
badge.
Incorporating the strongest aspects of the CD3MKII - its rugged construction, the Philips
Pro2 laser mechanism, the Crystal 24-bit DAC, its user-friendly menu of useful features and
functions - the REF-CD7 breaks new ground with a gain stage taken directly from the REF3
, incorporating the latest proprietary capacitor technology found only in Audio Research
Reference components. Using four 6H30 triodes, the audio stage features high-voltage
regulation using an additional three 6H30s, coupled to a massive power supply.
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The extensively ventilated top-load chassis is just slightly deeper front-to-back than the
CD3MKII. Height is unchanged to allow a wide range of shelf installation options, while a
thicker front panel helps identify the REF-CD7 as a Reference product. Inputs, outputs and
the accompanying remote are identical to the CD3MKII. The "standby" function on the
CD3MKII is now a power on / off function on the REF-CD7, with an accompanying LED
indicator on the front panel.
Given the CD3MKII's reputation for
exceptionally musical performance, the logical question might be: "Is the REF-CD7 really that
much better?" Yes it is, in every way. You will quickly discover that the REF-CD7 offers a
sonic background that is quieter and blacker, thanks to noise and distortion figures that are
significantly lower than those of the CD3MKII. Musical dynamics and sheer openness of the
soundstage are also much improved, in part due to the massive power supply and carefully
chosen parts. But you will also hear dynamic nuances that render small-ensemble
recordings much more believable and vivid. Notes and sounds have more individual shape
, body and location as they appear and recede. The soundstage expands and
breathes as the recording calls for it. Bass response is massive, tuneful and controlled.
The REF-CD7 simply has a natural speed and ease without coloration - it is truly like the
REF3 in this regard. There is a weight and harmonic completeness one expects from a
reference-level vacuum-tube product.
With other digital music formats losing support
in the marketplace, we music lovers continue to add ever more redbook CDs to our
collections. And what better way to bring those CDs alive than by retrieving their full
musical potential and enjoyment through playback on the Reference CD7? With tens of
thousands of dollars already invested in CDs, and many more yet to be purchased, it makes
more sense than ever to bring out the best in your collection by investing in a CD player that
performs musically beyond anything you have previously experienced. This is the heart of
what the Reference CD7 is all about.
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Questions?
1.973.239.1799
