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Audio Research Reference 160s Power Amplifier Mint condition and full working order, packaging still available, genuine interest please pm, thank you. Condition: As New / Mint Payment Method: Cash, eft Region/State: (VIC) Victoria/Australia By BC63 0 Comments AUD $25,000 Date: December 29, 2025Dec 29
The Audio Research Reference 5 is a highly regarded line preamplifier known for its exceptional frequency response (0.5Hz–200kHz) and low distortion, making it a sonic benchmark for serious hi-fi systems. At A$25,000, the asking price sits clearly above the 75th percentile of A$21,981 from our recent comparable AUD listings, marking it as ambitious rather than fair or bargain. While the unit is described as like_new, this pricing level demands absolute confidence in its condition and completeness, as it exceeds typical used market expectations by a significant margin.
This preamp delivers outstanding clarity, wide bandwidth, and robust build quality that justifies its reputation among enthusiasts, and if it includes original accessories like the remote and manual, it offers genuine upside for a collector or audiophile seeking top-tier performance. However, given the price is well above the median of A$7,978 and even the 75th percentile, buyers should verify tube health, power supply integrity, and full accessory inclusion before committing, as any flaw at this price point would be a material concern. For a pristine, complete unit, it remains a compelling opportunity, but only if the condition matches the premium price.
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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