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*Floor model* includes a new set of tubes, old tubes also included. The Reference 160M MkII is a central pillar in the Audio Research range of Reference Amplifiers. With its trademark GhostMeter™ and four KT150 tubes, the 160M delivers new benchmark in musicality in every criterion of perfo...
The timing matters a bit here because this is a mature, proven reference amp, not a current-gen replacement chase item, so value is really about condition and provenance. At A$46,990, it sits clearly above the A$42,935 75th percentile and looks ambitious rather than fair against the recent AUD comparables.
What makes it worth considering is straightforward: the 160M is widely respected for big-scale drive, tonal density, and effortless control, and it remains a serious statement monoblock rather than a nostalgic piece. For a clean, well-kept pair with tubes healthy, original packaging, and documented service, it can still be a strong buy for someone chasing top-tier tube power; just make sure the listing spells out tube age, servicing, and included accessories because at this price those details matter.
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.
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