Audio Research I/50

The I/50 Integrated Amplifier is the first product in an all-new series from Audio Research. Functionally simple visually engaging and musically sublime – the I/50 takes music listening to a whole new experience.

Hand-crafted in Minnesota the I/50 is built with the same attention to detail as all other Audio Research products – each one even gets its own listening test with sonic designer Warren Gehl.

Available in six colors the I/50 features Cerakote finishes for a beautiful and long-lasting look. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules – a Phono Stage and a D/A Converter (to come in 2022).

The high current 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of speakers. A headphone jack allows for personal listening time.

The I/50 is designed to be easy to use and has three controls on its top panel – Power Input and Volume. Two LexieTubes® provide display information for input selection and volume.

A full-function metal remote control provides further functionality and operation. An optional tube cage will be available.

The performance of the I/50 belies its compact design. 50 watts of all-vacuum tube power energize your speakers with beautiful and lifelike music. Designed by the Audio Research engineering team and fine-tuned by our sonic designer the I/50 has been given the same level of care and attention as our Reference Series products. .

The ability of the I/50 to reconstruct a musical experience will thrill and excite all who hear it.

The I/50 is a truly integrated product while providing renowned Audio Research performance and sound quality.

Choose Your I/50

The I/50 Integrated Amplifier is the first product in an all-new series from Audio Research. Functionally simple visually engaging and musically sublime – the I/50 takes music listening to a whole new experience. Hand-crafted in Minnesota the I/50 is built with the same attention to detail as all other Audio Research products – each one even gets its own listening test with sonic designer Warren Gehl. Available in six colors the I/50 features Cerakote finishes for a beautiful and long-lasting look. The modular design allows for the installation of two audio modules – a Phono Stage and a D/A Converter (to come in 2022). The high current 50 watt per channel amplifier is capable of driving a wide variety of speakers. A headphone jack allows for personal listening time.

The I/50 is designed to be easy to use and has three controls on its top panel – Power Input and Volume. Two LexieTubes® provide display information for input selection and volume. Two matched pairs of 6550WE vacuum tubes along with three 6922 tubes stand in 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 speaker of choice. One input can be assigned for pass-through function. A full-function metal remote control provides further functionality and operation. An optional tube cage will be available.

As with all Audio Research products the I/50 is built entirely in our Minnesota facility by a team of skilled technicians and expert craftspeople. Offered in six colors the I/50 is the first product completely finished in-house. The Audio Research finishing lab encompasses a purpose-built painting facility and laser imaging and marking machines to produce a luxurious finish normally found only on much more expensive products. The Cerakote finish is not only beautiful but designed to be enduring and easy to maintain.

The performance of the I/50 belies its compact design. 50 watts of all-vacuum tube power energize your speakers with beautiful and lifelike music. Designed by the Audio Research engineering team and fine-tuned by Warren Gehl the I/50 has been given the same level of care and attention as our Reference Series products. The ability of the I/50 to reconstruct a musical experience will thrill and excite all who hear it. Thanks to the substantial power supply and high current design the I/50 provides controlled and dynamic playback – even on challenging speakers.  The Phono module provides 42 dB of gain allowing a wide choice of moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges. The D/A Converter will have multiple connection options and an array of decoding formats to accommodate the wide spectrum of music formats and resolutions. The I/50 is a truly integrated product while providing renowned Audio Research performance and sound quality.

Specifications:

Power Output: 50 watts continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% per channel below 0.1% 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) 10Hz to 22kHz

Frequency Response: (-3dB points at 1 watt) 7Hz to 30kHz

Input Sensitivity: 1.25V RMS for rated output.

Input Impedance: 100K ohms Balanced 48K ohms Single Ended

Output Polarity: Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)

Output Taps: 8 ohms 4 ohms

Power Requirements: 105-130VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 252 watts at rated output.

Tubes Required: 2 matched pair 6550WE; 3-6922 (1 input 2 driver).

Dimensions:

Width 16.5” (42 cm)

Height 7.25” (18 cm)

Depth 13.5” (34 cm)

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

Documentation:

I/50 Manual

I/50 Brochure

Reviews:

Stereonet February 2023

Hi-Fi News October 2022 Outstanding Product

Video – Audio Research Corporation I/50 Integrated Tube Amplifier First Look The Source AV

Video – Paragon Sight and Sound / Tube Nubes – Start with the Audio Research I/50 Integrated Amp

HiFi Club.Net 2022

L&B Tech Reviews – I/50