RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Offered is „Ref 150SE“ by Audio Research as second-hand device from the category „Power Amplifier“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 1546265344 ends on 16.11.2026 at 09:59 o'clock.
This €9,199 asking price for the Audio Research Ref 150SE is ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of €7,900 from our database of 76 recent EUR listings, though it remains within the upper tier of the used market where the 75th percentile caps at €7,900 and the median is €5,449. While a comparable 150 SE listing recently appeared at €7,900, this unit’s premium over the top quartile suggests you are paying for the specific “good” condition and likely original-owner pedigree rather than a bargain.
The Ref 150SE remains a highly regarded hybrid amplifier that pairs tube voltage gain with massive MOSFET current, delivering the warmth of tubes without sacrificing the punch and control needed for difficult speakers. Its upside lies in its rarity and enduring performance; these units are built to last and often include original accessories when sold by careful owners. At this price, it’s a buying opportunity only if the condition is truly pristine and verified, as the cost reflects top-tier preservation rather than a deal.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio Research Corporation, founded in 1970 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by William Z. Johnson, traces its roots to his pioneering work in custom audio electronics during the 1950s and his operation of a specialty retail store through the mid-1960s. After a brief stint selling his designs to a larger firm, Johnson regained independence to establish ARC with a singular mission: advancing the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. From modest beginnings in the back of his shop, the company evolved into one of America's oldest continuously operating high-end audio manufacturers, now housed in a state-of-the-art 48,000-square-foot facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
ARC specializes in performance-driven electronics, renowned for vacuum-tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, and electronic crossovers that emphasize sonic purity over flashy features or aesthetics. Drawing on circuit designs rooted in the 1950s, the brand integrates tubes into modern contexts, delivering what it calls "high definition" sound through genuine technological advances. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, ARC's focused lineup prioritizes amplifiers and preamps that set benchmarks for musical realism.
Positioned at the pinnacle of high-end audio, Audio Research is hailed as a true originator of the genre, commanding respect among audiophiles for its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Enduring the 1970s tube revival against solid-state dominance, ARC thrives via elite specialist retailers worldwide, standing alongside peers like Conrad-Johnson as a vintage-inspired yet forward-thinking force in the niche boutique market.
See all Audio Research listings on RADAR.
