- Thread Author
- #161
Audio Research 160M
- Thread starter Mike
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Bob - Stereophile raved about the 160Ms. These amps are keepers! Enjoy the music!
Bobvin
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I had a few audio buddies over last night for some listening with the 160M's, and one thing I noted is the sweet spot is greatly expanded in my listening room... the increased resolution and placement of instruments in the soundstage allows for much better imaging even when not right in the prime seat. Sure, voices that are defined by equal volume from each speaker to appear centered when in the sweet spot are going to be shifted if you're sitting left or right, but other voices and instruments maintain pretty good separation even though shifted. This makes it more fun for me when having people over because I never take the sweet spot when guests are listening, and I didn't feel like I missed out.
Everyone was impressed how much better my Alexias sounded. So far, I am listening mostly in pentode mode, it seems the Alexias really do love having the extra power. Triode mode is great too but the lowest octave control is a little softer in triode mode (not unexpected) and the impact of the Alexia bass has never been as clean and controlled (in my room) as with the 160s.
Additionally, my room remodel is paying YUGE dividends -- the bass depth and control provided by the 160s may be much less apparent in a room that gets activated by so much energy. We certainly played some cuts last night with significant volume and my room didn't flinch, there was no overhang or sense things got muddy as the volume increased. As an example, we played a number of cuts from Robert Plant / Allison Krauss "Raising Sand" album, mastered by T Bone Burnett. This album has what I have always considered "over-cooked" bass and in my prior room up in Seattle I could hardly listen, the bass energy just activated the room and things went to hell quickly if the volume went up. Now, while still over-cooked (IMHO) the bass is clear and articulate, even when played at >95+ dB.
Hell yeah, live concerts in my basement! This is as much fun as this hobby has ever given me. If you are ever in the neighborhood, do stop by for a listen.
Everyone was impressed how much better my Alexias sounded. So far, I am listening mostly in pentode mode, it seems the Alexias really do love having the extra power. Triode mode is great too but the lowest octave control is a little softer in triode mode (not unexpected) and the impact of the Alexia bass has never been as clean and controlled (in my room) as with the 160s.
Additionally, my room remodel is paying YUGE dividends -- the bass depth and control provided by the 160s may be much less apparent in a room that gets activated by so much energy. We certainly played some cuts last night with significant volume and my room didn't flinch, there was no overhang or sense things got muddy as the volume increased. As an example, we played a number of cuts from Robert Plant / Allison Krauss "Raising Sand" album, mastered by T Bone Burnett. This album has what I have always considered "over-cooked" bass and in my prior room up in Seattle I could hardly listen, the bass energy just activated the room and things went to hell quickly if the volume went up. Now, while still over-cooked (IMHO) the bass is clear and articulate, even when played at >95+ dB.
Hell yeah, live concerts in my basement! This is as much fun as this hobby has ever given me. If you are ever in the neighborhood, do stop by for a listen.
Fabulous Bob! Now, just take care of your ears!
yes,why should not be there a 260M
opcorn:;Many moons ago when i wanted to buy GS 150,someone whispered,wait 160 is in the works and you can't buy GS now because the dude in Florida got all five remaining pieces.i wonder if some one was digging into spare parts to complete the set.Since M160 is $30K,how about 40K for dream 260M,any bets it might be announced end of this year or early next year.
Money can buy Love
Bobvin
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I am sure there are updates in the works for the mid-power and ultimate big-boys, and there will be those speakers who need the power boost, and of course the stereo version is well underway. The changes to circuit and components will for sure filter up... but how often do you see companies lead with the lower tier product and filter the tech upwards? Usually the other way ‘round.
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Jozua
New member
.......Since M160 is $30K,how about 40K for dream 260M,any bets it might be announced end of this year or early next year.
Money can buy Love
I shudder what a Ref260M will cost if a Ref160 is about $30K !!
With our exchange rate I seriously doubt if there will be many buyers, if any.
My best guess 45K
Jozua
New member
I do find it strange that the hours meter is put at the back- at this price point a fascia indicator would have been nice- especially when rack mounted.
- Thread Author
- #172
I don’t see many people rack mounting 160M’s. They would need a shelf about 15 inches high. These babies are meant to be on gorgeous amp stands and proudly on display, not stuck in a rack.
mep
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At least it's not on the inside of the amp.
Bobvin
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I'm glad they included one... but its location and size could have been better thought out. It isn't easy to get 'round behind the amps, and down low enough to read the meters. When I do my eyeglasses fall off!
I have seen the Ref 160M’s on the top of two racks and it worked very well. Bottom line is for optimal performance, nothing should be above them, so on the top of the racks or on amp stands.
Ken
Jozua
New member
Selfie stick with pocket mirror attached?
Bruce
Good grief !!
Would it not be so much easier if the hours indicator could have been added to the front fascia?
The older I get the greater the emphasis on convenience...
rrwmd
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Mr Peabody
Well-known member
Ctsooner
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Translation: "Nobody puts Baby in the corner'