I/50

The I/50 integrated amplifier is the first product in Audio Research’s newest series. Simple, visually appealing, and musically beautiful—the I/50 brings a whole new experience to music listening. Handcrafted in Minnesota, the I/50 is as meticulous as all other Audio Research products—each one even undergoes listening tests by sound designer Warren Gehl. Available in six colors with a Cerakote finish for a beautiful and durable look, the I/50’s modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules—a Phono Stage and a D/A converter (coming in 2022). A high-current amplifier of 50 watts per channel can drive a wide range of speakers. A headphone jack allows for personal listening sessions.

The I/50 is designed for ease of use, featuring three controls on the top panel – power, input, and volume. Two LexieTube® ports provide input selection and volume information. Two pairs of matched 6550WE vacuum tubes and three 6922 vacuum tubes are located on the front of the perforated transformer cover. Three single-ended inputs and one XLR input provide connectivity for most systems, along with 4- and 8-ohm speaker taps to accommodate your choice of speakers. One input can be assigned for pass-through functionality. A full-featured metal remote control offers further functionality and operation. Optional tube cages will be available.

Like all Audio Research products, the I/50 is entirely built in our Minnesota facility by a team of skilled technicians and artisans. Available in six colors, the I/50 is the first product to be completely finished in-house. Audio Research’s finishing lab includes specially built paint spraying equipment as well as laser imaging and marking machines, producing a luxurious finish typically found only on more expensive products. The Cerakote finish is not only beautiful but also durable and easy to maintain.

The I/50’s performance overshadows its compact design. 50 watts of all-vacuum tube power delivers beautiful, lifelike music to your speakers. Designed by the Audio Research engineering team and fine-tuned by Warren Gehl, the I/50 receives the same level of attention and care as our Reference series. The I/50’s ability to recreate the musical experience will excite and thrill everyone who hears it. With its powerful power supply and high-current design, the I/50 delivers controlled and dynamic playback – even on the most demanding speakers. The phono module offers 42 dB gain, allowing for a variety of moving magnets and high-output moving coil cartridges. The D/A converter will feature multiple connectivity options and a range of decoding formats to accommodate a wide variety of music formats and resolutions.

Power output: 50 watts continuously from 20Hz to 20kHz. Total harmonic distortion is typically 1% per channel at 1kHz, less than 0.1% at 1 watt (note that actual power output depends on line voltage and “conditions,” i.e., maximum power will be adversely affected if the power line has high distortion, although this is not significant from a listening standpoint).

Power bandwidth: (-3dB point) 10Hz to 22kHz

Frequency response: (1 watt-hour – 3 dB point) 7 Hz to 30 kHz

Input sensitivity: Rated output is 1.25V RMS.

Input impedance: 100K ohms balanced, 48K ohms single-ended

Output polarity: In-phase. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)

Output taps: 8 ohms, 4 ohms

Power requirements: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz). Rated output is 252 watts.

Required tubes: 2 pairs of 6550WE; 3-6922 (1 input, 2 drivers).

SIZE

Width 16.5 inches (42 cm)

Height 7.25 inches (18 cm)

Depth 13.5 inches (34 cm)

Weight: 40 lbs (18.1 kg); shipping weight: 51 lbs (23.1 kg)