Audio Research 330M
The Reference 320M amplifier was originally imagined to be a larger, more powerful version of the Reference 160M amplifier, but it turned out to be a more sophisticated amalgam of designs incorporated in other Reference amplifiers. What was shown in 2022 was a concept, not a product. The 330M is a very different beast, producing 330 watts per channel.
The Reference 330M is unique, combining new thinking, new design, and new parts with the best concepts from other Reference amplifiers. All gain is accomplished using vacuum tubes; transistors are only used for impedance buffering. The new front end borrows its architecture from the 610T, using an ECC83 tube for voltage gain. The ECC83 output is buffered using special bipolar transistors that have tube like qualities. Bipolar buffers allow us to maximize the input stage headroom and preserve the best sonic qualities of the ECC83.
A hand built masterpiece
The Reference 330M is the finest amplifier ever created by Audio Research, with the ability to control any loudspeaker with a vice-like grip and startling dynamic life. It is the culmination of everything we have learned over 50+ years.
It is a statement that music is king, always ready to sweep you away. Infusing new technology and circuits with the finest vacuum-tube architecture, the 330M elevates music reproduction to the highest plateau with an all-tube signal path.
From its ECC83 input to its KT170 output, with tube regulation in the power supply, the 330M proves that you can enjoy the ease of high power along with a delicacy and purity usually associated with low-power amplifiers. Tonal saturation and density accompany a specificity of recording space beyond anything we have built.
Liquidity and artistry abound, yet with blade-like edge precision when called for. Extension at both frequency extremes is state of the art even for solid state amplification. Statement-level loudspeakers capable of meaningful infrasonic bass output will be fully commanded down through their lowest octave without a hint of retreat. Stones unturned: None.
This is our heritage, the legacy created by our founder, William Zane Johnson.
FEATURES
• The 330M was designed to provide ultimate performance without worry.
• Auto bias assures rock-steady consistency, minute-by-minute, day in and day out.
• Output tube life is 3,000 hours, providing many years of listening pleasure.
• A fully-balanced design, the addition of single-ended inputs allows its compatibility with virtually any source.
• 12 volt triggers allow the 330M to be turned on remotely, just by powering up your Reference preamp or a master control.
• RS232 control.
• Auto-off control will turn 330M off if no signal is sensed in two hours (defeatable).
• Fan speed control.
• Tube hour meter.
• 4-8 ohm speaker outputs.
• Tube monitor.
• Meter light control allows dimming or off.
• Meter action switch allows meter needle to be turned off.