93%
Audio Research Reference 160S
The Reference 160S stereo power amplifier follows in the footsteps of the internationally acclaimed REF160M monoblock power amplifier, which has won multiple amplifier-of the-year honors from publications such as Stereophile, Hi-Fi+, and others.
GhostMeters™
REF160S carries-over the stunning look of the 160M, with dual GhostMeters™ that float in front of the eight KT150 output power tubes.
Also continued is the the feature set introduced in the 160M, including a proprietary auto-bias circuit, switchable Triode or Ultralinear modes of operation, balanced and single-ended inputs, and an output tube monitoring mode. The 160S also uses a four-layer circuit board, allowing music to emanate from a jet-black background.
With a weight of 100 lbs. the REF160S distills the astonishing resolution, dynamic impact, musical purity and finesse of the 160M into one beautiful and attainable chassis. It was designed for the music lover in all of us.
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Audio Research Reference 160S: muscular, articulate tube power in a single chassis
The Reference 160S pairs brute force with refinement, delivering 140Wpc of fast, controlled bass and an extraordinarily lucid midrange that reviewers found both nimble and neutral. Listeners praised its deep, three-dimensional soundstage and imaging, making orchestral and vocal recordings feel unusually alive (Kirk Midtskog, Ken Kessler). The amp’s thoughtful ergonomics—GhostMeters, auto-bias, Ultralinear/Triode switching and stout binding posts—combine with robust build quality to simplify setup and tube care (Jeff Fritz). Ideal for audiophiles seeking a tube amplifier that marries warmth with outstanding dynamics and imaging, the 160S is a reference-class stereo alternative to monoblocks that many reviewers called a compelling value for its performance (Edgar Kramer).
Pros
- Authoritative, fast bass and exceptional dynamic control across genres, retaining headroom in Ultralinear mode.
- Natural, highly resolved midrange with low noise floor that reveals detail without sounding ‘tubey’.
- Impressive, lifelike soundstage and imaging—excellent front-to-back layering and instrument solidity.
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Cons
- Generates substantial heat and its cooling fan can be audible at close listening distances.
- Triode mode trades power for tonal preference and can run out of headroom on very large orchestral peaks.
Sound Quality
93/100
Dynamics
92/100
Reviewers consistently praised the 160S for authoritative, nimble dynamics and strong low-end authority in Ultralinear (140Wpc) mode: "iron fist in a silken glove" and "never clipped or showed signs of strain while in ultralinear mode." Triode mode (≈70Wpc) is described as more persuasive musically but can run out of headroom on very large orchestral peaks, so the amp earns top-tier tube dynamics for its power class while acknowledging the mode-dependent headroom limitation.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Imaging and staging are standout strengths: reviewers used phrases like "the 160S reproduced a cavernously large space," "the deepest soundstage I have heard in my system," and described highly convincing front-to-back layering and image solidity. The unit's ability to render instrument body, image density and hall ambience is repeatedly described as breathtaking and reference-level for a tube design.
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Build Quality
90/100
Build and execution are excellent: reviewers note high-quality construction, GhostMeters/see-through faceplate, stout binding posts and ARC's auto-bias and fan-cooled thermal management. Minor negatives noted were substantial heat and occasional fan audibility at very quiet listening distances, so build quality is excellent but with expected tube-amp thermal trade-offs.
Value for Money
93/100
Multiple reviewers explicitly call the 160S "worth it," "not ridiculously expensive for its qualities," or describe a strong urge to own one; price references across reviews include ~$22,000 (US reviews), £19,998 (UK review), and the product data shows a higher regional list (~$28,000). Given its performance vs. direct high-end tube and solid-state peers (Lamm, VTL, VAC, Gryphon-class references) and the stereo chassis saving versus monoblocks, reviewers judge the amp a justified premium that competes strongly in its class.
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