The Audio Research Reference 160 M Mono Amplifier (REF160M), launched in October 2018, is a high-end all-vacuum tube monoblock power amplifier from the acclaimed American manufacturer. Each unit delivers 140 watts of continuous power (via four KT150 tubes) and features switchable Ultralinear/Triode operation for sonic flexibility. The REF160M incorporates a proprietary auto-bias circuit for effortless tube maintenance and a striking GhostMeter™ display that provides a view of the glowing tubes alongside an integrated power meter. Its refined audio topology uses a 4-layer circuit board and a high-capacity power supply for exceptional dynamics and a low noise floor.

With both balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs, and 4, 8, and 16-ohm speaker taps, it offers versatile connectivity. Hand-crafted with an integrated cooling fan, the 160 M combines stunning aesthetics with uncompromising audio performance for discerning audiophile systems.

The REF160M also features a proprietary auto-bias circuit that works with various tubes types, including 6550, KT88, and KT120, in addition to the supplied KT150 and works constantly to maintain precise bias of the output tubes, while also adjusting for tube wear. There is no need to check or adjust bias ever again.

POWER OUTPUT
- 140 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% at 140 watts, 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 BANDWIDTH
- (-3dB Points) 5Hz to 70kHz.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
- (-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 110kHz.
INPUT SENSITIVITY
- 2.4V RMS Balanced for rated output. (25.5 dB gain into 8 ohms).
INPUT IMPEDANCE
- 200 k ohms Balanced.
OUTPUT POLARITY
- Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268).
OUTPUT TAPS
- 16 ohms, 8 ohms, 4 ohms.
OUTPUT REGULATION
- Approximately 0.6dB 16 OHM LOAD TO OPEN CIRCUIT (Damping factor approximately 14).
OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK
- 14dB SLEW RATE: 13 volts/microsecond RISE TIME: 2.0 microseconds.
POWER REQUIREMENTS
- 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 400 watts at rated output, 700 watts maximum, 260 watts at “idle”, 1 watt off.
TUBES REQUIRED
- 2 matched pair KT150 (Power output V1-4); 2 6H30 (Gain stage V5 and V6).
DIMENSIONS
- Width 17.25” (43.8 cm)
- Height 10” (25.4 cm)
- Depth 18.5” (47 cm)
- Handles Extended 19.25” (48.9 cm)
WEIGHT
- 56lbs (25.5 kg) Net
- 73lbs (33.2 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.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

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.