The Audio Research REF 80S Stereo Amplifier, launched in December 2020, is an all-vacuum tube power amplifier from the esteemed American high-end audio manufacturer. It delivers 80 watts per channel (via two pairs of KT150 tubes) and features switchable Ultralinear/Triode operation to tailor the sound.

Drawing from Audio Research’s flagship designs, the REF 80S incorporates a proprietary auto-bias circuit for effortless tube management and a visually striking GhostMeter™ display with integrated power metering. Its robust power supply and optimized circuit topology ensure exceptional dynamics, control, and a low noise floor.

With both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs, alongside versatile speaker output taps, the REF 80S offers broad system compatibility. This hand-crafted amplifier, weighing 25.5 kg, combines sonic purity and a timeless aesthetic, providing a refined stereo listening experience for discerning audiophiles.

The feature set is the same as the 160S, including a proprietary auto-bias circuit that adjusts for not only tube age, but for powerline voltage swings. There is fusing of the output tubes, single-ended and balanced inputs for flexibility, switchable Triode-Pentode operation to accommodate loudspeakers and personal preference, output tube monitoring, and inclusion of an hour meter so you know how many hours are on the tubes–like an odometer for your amp. This is a tube amplifier that does not require fiddling, it is meant to be enjoyed. The built-in 12V trigger turns the 80S on or off when connected to a modern preamp with a 12V trigger.

Like every Reference amplifier before it, the 80S is a fully-balanced differential design because it provides the highest performance and lowest distortion. A four-layer circuit board is used to provide a separate ground plane, better circuit layout, and fewer noise-inducing point-to-point connections. Music is projected against a quiet, jet-black background—like looking at the stars out in the country, removed from light pollution. It is magical and enveloping.

Built by hand, from the ground-up in our Maple Grove, Minnesota facility, this is created in service of the music, bringing it to life in every sense of the word. Listening through the 80S is a compelling experience, never a mental exercise. Set up appropriately, the 80S can fool you into feeling you are in the presence of the musical performance: The finest details are heard, with rich harmonics and full dynamic contrasts–from the smallest whisper to the largest crescendo–showcased with the ambience of the original acoustic space. Whatever your reference speakers may be, whether they are from Wilson, Magnepan, Vandersteen, Focal, Sonus faber, B&W, or whatever you like: the Reference 80S will elevate their performance to a new plateau.

Power Output:
70 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% at 140 watts (33 watts in Triode mode) per channel, below 0.04% at 1 watt (Note that actual power output is dependent upon both line voltage and “condition” i.e.: if power line has high distortion, maximum power will be affected adversely, although from a listening standpoint this is not critical)

Power Bandwith:(-3dB points) 7Hz to 68kHz
Frequency Response:(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.7Hz to 94kHz
Input Sensitivity:
- 1.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms);
- 0.7V RMS SE for rated output.
Input Impedance:300K ohms Balanced, 75K ohms Single Ended
Output Polarity:Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)
Output Taps:16 ohms, 8 ohms, 4 ohms
Output Regulation:Approximately 1.0dB 16 Ohm Load to Open Circuit(Damping factor approximately 8)
Overall negative feedback:15dB
Slew Rate:10 volts/microsecond
Rise Time:4.0 micro seconds
Power requirements:
- 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 420 watts at rated output,
- 280 watts in Triode mode, 221 watts at “idle”, 3.6 watts off Units for Japan: 100VAC 50/60Hz
Tubes Required: 2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-V4); 2 6H30 (Gain stage V5, V6)
Dimensions:
- Width 18.5” (47 cm) chassis; 19.0” (48.26 cm) faceplate.
- Height 10.5” (26 cm)
- Depth 18.5” (47 cm)
- With handles & connectors: 21” (53.3 cm)
Weight:62 lbs. (28.2 kg) Net; 73 lbs. (32.7 kg) Shipping.

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

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Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.