Audio Research I/50 integrated amplifier

The Audio Research I/50 integrated amplifier is the first product of a brand new range from the manufacturer located in Minneapolis. Audio Research (See all the products from Audio Research)’s goal is to offer a simple amplifier , visually attractive and above all offering a musicality without possible competition.

AUDIO RESEARCH I/50: CHASSIS

The I/50 does not have the traditional design from the Audio Research  products. In fact, a complete change of course was decided.

Its aluminium chassis is completely punched and perforated. Still, it weighs 18.1 kg!

The Audio Research I/50 is available in six colours and with a tube protection cage.

There are two rotary potentiometers on the front panel which allow to select the sources and adjust the volume. The display is done through two Nixie Valve display tubes but digitally! It’s original and very stylish!

The I/50 is provided with a stereo headphone jack in 6.35 mm format on the top panel able to pair with a large range of headphone models. When a headphone is connected, all outputs to the speakers are muted. It’s good to know that the amplifier section of the I/50 stays on when the headphone is used even if muted.

The back panel offers 3 RCA analogue inputs and 1 XLR. One of the three RCA inputs is configurable in Passthrough mode. The speaker outputs allow to choose an impedance of 4 or 8 Ohms.
There are two areas next to the connections made to receive optional DAC or MM Phono boards.

AUDIO RESEARCH I/50: DESIGN

A channel pair with 6550, each of them paired with a Double Triode 6922, is in charge of the power section. A third one is used in input. The announced power is 50 W real per channel.

Despite being innovative, the internal architecture is still rather conventional with Audio Research. There is a main circuit board and of course 3 transformers: one is important enough for the power supply and the two other ones are for each channel outputs. In fact, they are responsible for the impedance adaptation of 4 or 8 Ohms (depending on the coil winding).

Its modular design allows the setup of optional audio modules which will be available in the year. A phono stage (42 dB) and a DAC board (USB-B, Optical and Coaxial) are already expected.

The Audio Research I/50 integrated amplifier is entirely built in the Audio Research factory. Even the ceramic-coated plate is painted on the inside… And, as usual with the brand’s products, each of these integrated amps will have to go through a listening test once set up with Warren Gehl, “the “ear” of Audio Research. 

AUDIO RESEARCH I/50: LISTENING

It’s always for me an immense privilege to listen to a product out of the Minneapolis factory. The setup is easy: we unpack and insert the tubes in the designated areas.

After 10 minutes of preparation, we can already get an idea of the impressive qualities of this integrated amplifier. We have here the specific signature sound from Audio Research. The I/50’s performance oppose its compact and so-called cheap design. The 50 Watts announced are clearly present and power the drivers with remarkable energy.

Like usual with Audio Research, the timbres are wonderful. Of course, they contribute to the realism and all the emotions present. Thanks to them, we can hear lots nuances and subtlety associated with a superb transparency.

The I/50 is not a cheaper Audio Research but an affordable Audio Research which makes the quality and restitution from the legendary Minnesota manufacturer accessible for more people.

A brilliant success.