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The Dual 100 C two-chassis fully vacuum tube-regulated all-tube stereo amplifier. Replete with 1/8” thick grey anodized aluminum chassis sporting heliarc welded corners, four oil-filled capacitors, a metal amphenol connector umbilical cord set between audio and power supply chassis, five potted transformers and 32 tubes total, this is a 110 lb. mil-spec beast. It pretty much defines what's meant when someone says they don’t build ‘em like that anymore.
OVERVIEW
Good condition RARE Audio Research Dual 100 C Tube Stereo Amplifier.
Unit does not come with original box but will be professionally packed for shipping.
Factory installed gold RCA and bottom feet.
Included: Extra Umbilical, Original Feet, Complete set of unused backup tubes.
Rated 7/10 for minor cosmetic wear consistent with age and use.
Freight Shipping Required for this item
SPECIFICATIONS
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Power Output: At least 75 Watts RMS, 30Hz to 15kHz
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Power Bandwidth: –
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Frequency Response: ±0.1dB 30Hz to 15kHz at 1 Watt; ±1dB 30Hz to 15kHz at 75 Watts
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Input Sensitivity: 1.0 V RMS for rated output
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Input Impedance: –
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Output Taps: 4, 8, 16 Ohms
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Output Regulation: From 16 Ohm resistive load to open circuit, less than 1dB change at 1 kHz
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Overall Negative Feedback: –
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Damping Factor: –
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Distortion:
• Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.15% at 1 kHz at 75 Watts
• Impulse Distortion: Essentially none, 30Hz to 15kHz
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Slew Rate: –
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Rise Time: –
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Hum & Noise: At least 80 dB below rated output
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Power Supply Energy Storage: –
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Power Requirements: –
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Tube Complement:
• Power Supply: (4) 6080, (1) OB2, (2) OA2, (1) 6AU6, (1) 6CA7/EL34
• Amplifier: (4) 6550, (6) 6CG7, (4) 12AX7
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Dimensions:
• Power Supply Chassis: 17" x 13" x 10½" H
• Amplifier Chassis: 17" x 13" x 8" H
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Weight:
• Power Supply: 88 lbs
• Amplifier: 45 lbs
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please call 734.662.3595 and ask for Richard if you have any questions about this product.
We make every effort to update our ads quickly when inventory fluctuates, but we encourage you to call and check product availability, as we are also a brick and mortar store.
The Audio Research Dual 100 C is a rare 1960s all-tube beast, and at $8,395 with unknown condition, the asking price feels ambitious bordering on steep. Comparable listings hover around $6,000-$7,500 for serviced units in good shape, and this one's rated just 7/10 cosmetically with no service history mentioned—expect to drop another $1,500+ on recap and retubing to make it sing reliably.
Before biting, verify the power supply chassis integrity, as those tube-regulated sections fail from aged electrolytics and rectifier tubes; insist on bias checks and output tube matching. Confirm both original chassis, manual, and matched 6550s are included—missing bits kill resale value fast. Fire it up with a tech if possible; these relics reward caution.
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.
