Six colors, to be exact.
The new I/50 integrated amplifier from Audio Research lines up a quad of 6550 output tubes to help generate 50 watts of continuous power from 20Hz to 20kHz. The I/50 is built entirely in the company’s Minnesota facility and the colored Cerakote-finished top plate, Cerakote is a thin-film ceramic coating, is lovely and durable.
A pair of LexieTubes light up to offer input and volume level info, while a pair of top plate mounted knobs provide input selection and volume control. A headphone jack joins the on/off button on the top plate as well.
The above sketch illustrates the inputs (3x RCA, 1x XLR), outputs (4 and 8 Ohm speaker taps), and also includes the upcoming (in 2022) optional Phono Stage and D/A Converter. A full-function metal remote control is included, while an optional tube cage is in the works.
The I/50 will retail for $5,000 for the Integrated-only version and will begin shipping in October. I hope to get my hands and ears on one in the not too distant future.
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).
Dimensions:
Width 16.5” (42 cm) Height 7.25” (18 cm) Depth 13.5” (34 cm)
Weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg); 51 lbs (23.1kg) shipping weight
Company Website: Audio Research
