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Audio Research Reference 110 Review by James Leahy
Introduction
With great anticipation did I set out to review this new REFERENCE class amplifier from Audio Research. How much better could it sound then say a VT100 Mk.III and what differences would one be able to hear on the same system? These questions and much more will be answered, read on. A unique model in Audio Research's rich history is this true reference 100 watt stereo amplifier. Never before has such a relatively low cost unit been offered by the company for sale in such a compact & maneuverable package. Physically it shares the exact dimensions as the classic VT100 series of amplifiers. This new REFERENCE 110 gives nothing away by it's relatively small foot print and is easy to integrate into most systems I have encountered. Firstly, lets start with the host of new features that this promising amplifier spouts. Cooling is an area that Audio Research has spent considerable time redesigning over the VT100 series. With the main circuit boards mounted horizontally and the power and output transformers placed in a central location greater cooling efficiency is now possible. Air ventilation slots are now placed along either of the side panels with two small muffin fans integrated into the rear panel design. The fan speed can also be set at three different levels depending on climatic conditions and listener location. Noting that the cooler the tubes are kept on average the longer the life span that is possible. A operation hour meter is also provided which is a more then a welcome touch to those of us not familiar with A.R.C.'s REFERENCE gear. It is a great benefit on any valve amplifier. No more guess work is needed when trying to calculate tube hours remaining. In true REFERENCE style only Balanced inputs are provided. Audio Research figure that customers that are serious enough to run one of these units will hopefully have the good sense to partner it up to one of their premier Line-Stage's which all have Balanced outputs. With the excellent performance of the LS17/LS26/REF3 why would you cripple the REFERENCE 110 with anything else.... This is an amplifier that can show off and full exploit the advantages that the amazing new line of Audio Research Line-Stages' offer. Pop the hood on this baby and it is evident at first glance that propriety technology used in this amplifier is directly lifted from the likes of Audio Research's very own REFERENCE 210/610T line but in a stereo configuration. By coupling the output-stage cathodes to the transformer, this yields both higher efficiency and better sound than conventional pentode or triode operation. This is the major factor behind the revolutionary sound improvement in the whole A.R.C. REFERENCE amplifier range. I could go on forever and a day about more technical details but there is too much information about that stuff elsewhere on the net. As we all know not everything that measures technically fantastic sounds good and vice versa. Most of you guys familiar with this site want me to stop waffling on about nothing and start reviewing so here goes!
Tube hour counter is now provided for easy tube changing reference.
Huge power storage
New power transformer with upgraded current handling
New Super High Bandwidth Capacitors
6H30 Super Tube
Dual rear ventilation hear extraction vents
This is the first serious review I have done which has not been on 'my' system. However having previously directly compared this amplifier with a VT100 Mk.III on my customers system will give us all some reference as to what differences are coming from what. Keep in mind this amplifier was literally straight out of the box with the bias checked. Not that it needed it as the guys at A.R.C. always do a great job at setting it right at the factory before shipping.
Playing Dire Straits - Making Movies (Vertigo Records, 1980) the first element that struck me as hugely different to the VT100 Mk.III was the smoothness and liquidity in the midrange. The music just floats in mid air and is delivered from the loudspeakers without any congestion or compression that can be the case with poorer designs. Even with loudspeakers of average quality the REFERENCE 110 makes the walls of your listening room disappear and the image appear as though it is not emerging from an electrically configured system at all but it exists in a different dimension. Velvet smooth without any hint of harshness or dryness is a very nice mix to be entertained with and the main area which the VTM200 monoblocks and VT100 Mk.III had been highlighted as possible areas of improvements. This illustrates the greatly successful Audio Research design team are not beyond listening to public opinion and constantly strive to deliver only the best. Unfortunately all too often like in so many model upgrades you trade something for another and lose the best qualities that you previously took for granted. I am very pleased to say not so with the REFERENCE 110. Comparing this to the previous 100 watt Audio Research VT100 Mk.III's awesome low bass depth & control the new REF110 gives even more in all the right areas without sacrificing any of the qualities owners have come to love. One of the questions you guys love to throw at me about Audio Research products is, "Which one should I buy?" Potential owners often have the budget for two different models, and they want to know which one would be better. Like anything in life it is a question of degrees of satisfaction and you will ultimately buy the level of equipment you feel comfortable paying for no matter what I say. The REFERENCE 110 is a mighty fine amplifier for the cost and would be the best performance I have heard in any 100 watt amplifier. The point here is that when you're hearing the REFERENCE 110 each night for example, you don't necessarily start thinking what that jump up in price to the REFERENCE 210 might bring. The REFERENCE 110 is so ground breaking in terms of unheard clarity & warmth and distinct from traditional valve or solid state designs that living with it doesn't involve compromise. In fact, every time I listen to it, I think there's no good reason to consider the larger REFERENCE 210/610T monoblocks with speakers of moderate power handling and in an average size listening room. The REFERENCE 110 is the perfect amplifier to partner over 75% of the most common loudspeakers on the market today in an average sized listening room for the majority of my customers. So useful is this amplifier as a tool in creating the perfect system I would recommend one as my standard 'Get it right the 1st time' amplifier for those not on an unlimited budget with reasonably to average efficient loudspeakers. The cost of the REFERENCE 110 might appear pricey at first but when you consider you are buying the state of the art technology from one of the oldest and most respected audio companies in the world, it is rather cheap. How often have I seen customers buy components of low value and performance because it is what their budget allowed only to end up spending twice the cost of the REFERENCE 110 in the long run from constant up-grades. Most customers, unlike me like to listen to their music at sane levels, the REFERENCE 110 will be more than enough. The REFERENCE 110 will not disappoint most as the best 100 watt valve amplifier capable of achieving maximum performance possible for this power level. So long as you do not have unrealistic goals for a limited budget, meaning it will not do the job of a REF210 or REF610T but they were created for a very specific purpose. The neutral tone of the instruments were overwhelming with no degrees of soggy bloom or cold brittle highs. This is one very musical amplifier. There has been developed a higher depth of increased sonic layering in all areas of the sound stage especially in complicated musical movements then what A.R.C. customers will be use to hearing. This is a bold statement as the previous level of perfection was no low yardstick to surpass. The blending between air and space is done very nicely with this amplifier, more so than any I have heard in recent memory. It is not overly noticeable but this is what makes it so special. It does not scream out for attention with a lot of chest thumping but just gets you closer to the music. The bass response has even been improved upon further if this was at all possible with enormous low frequency power being delivered through the system on test. Full extension is both quick and deep with no overhang to speak of. Sometimes valve amplifiers can be said to be generally weak or lagging in the bass department but not in the case of the REFERENCE 110. Dynamics are there is spades and it just loves to be pushed harder and harder; rewarding the listener with every drum beat and musical attack. Don't be afraid to really feed this baby the juice when enjoying your favorite tunes, it can handle great dynamic demands with ease. Musical imaging and soundstage are very focused and will suit precision image freaks with pin point accuracy being easy to achieve even on underperforming systems with relatively weak front end source components. I am personally glad to see Audio Research maintained this much loved trait from their previous models. Every little bit helps but with an amplifier this good at the business end it can transform an average system into a giant killer.
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