Audio Research 330M Monoblocks | Munich 2024

This ain’t your daddy’s ARC. The Audio Research 330M monoblocks are the primary Audio Research Company’s first product to market since being acquired by Val Cora of Acora Acoustics and his funding group. The unit was on static show within the open space in Hall 4. This KT170 based mostly amplifier guarantees to be a beast, each in efficiency and in worth.

Words and Photos by Graig Neville

The Audio Research 330M was additionally taking part in within the Wadax listening room on Magico audio system. Wadax had their CD/streamer driving the system. The sound was very promising and maybe had probably the most “tube” sound of any tube system I heard at Munich. Not in a sloppy rolled-off tube approach, however with all of the magic of tubes. The wealthy midrange, the holographic imaging, and the marginally heat soulful sound we affiliate with tubes.

I had a chance to talk with David Gordon, Brand Manager, to get extra particulars on the Audio Research 330M:

The Audio Research 330M amplifier was initially imagined to be a bigger, extra highly effective model of the Reference 160M amplifier, however it turned out to be a way more refined amalgam of designs integrated in different Reference amplifiers. What was proven in 2022 was an concept, not a product; it is a very totally different beast, producing 330 watts per channel.

The Audio Research 330M is exclusive, combining new pondering, new designs and new elements with the very best concepts derived from different Reference amplifiers. The new entrance finish is a hybrid, utilizing a 12AX7 tube quite than a JFET on the enter. The 12AX7 has a buffered output, the buffering achieved with particular bipolar transistors which have tube-like qualities.

The second stage of the Audio Research 330M is just like the 610T and 250, with a differential pair loaded with a DMOS present supply. Rather than utilizing a 6H30, the output tube drivers are new Silicon Carbide (SiC) JFETs, which give the driving force stage extra headroom. The output drivers are bootstrapped by the output (each within the drain and supply), offering much more headroom throughout giant sign swings, with decreased enter capacitance.

Using JFETs for drivers additionally permits every tube to be biased individually: every tube has its personal servo.

Output tubes for the Audio Research 330M are new KT170s, which have elevated plate voltage margin, peak cathode present, and plate dissipation. They sound great, with an unimaginable musicality. In a correctly designed circuit, the KT170 gives an elevated degree of efficiency that’s unequaled.

The energy provide options stable state regulation for the entrance finish and tube regulation (6H30 and 6550) for the output tube screens and driver stage. It additionally has a Pi filter utilizing a big choke, decreasing output stage provide ripple.

The Audio Research 330M is a fully-balanced amplifier, from enter to output. Operation is pentode solely as a result of this gives the very best efficiency. The rear panel contains balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, 8Ω and 4Ω output faucets, 12V Triggers, RS-232 management, tube hour meter, 20A IEC, and fan pace adjustment.

In addition to the GhostMeter®, the entrance panel of the Audio Research 330M contains Power, Meter gentle adjustment, Tube Monitor, and a decreased voltage standby mode to protect tube life whereas permitting fast startup.

In addition to the technical description above, there are just a few behind the scenes details about the Audio Research 330M. For instance, the 16Ω faucet was deleted as a result of it sounded higher with out it. Better transformers, floor up circuit design, and a 4-layer board are only a few of the main points that new ARC Chief Engineer, Dylan Wahl, put into this design. ARC has an in-house skilled listener that guides sonic signature of all their merchandise and the Audio Research 330M positively carries the torch of the ARC sound. Production must be beginning quickly with a hefty price ticket of $90,000/pair. This is above the present manufacturing 750M at $85,000/pair.

Other developments at ARC embody hiring of seven engineers, together with Chief Engineer Dylan Wahl, who was the technical lead designer for the Audio Research 330M. David talked about there have been three extra merchandise ARC intends to launch this yr, however for now what these are stays a secret.

ARC is claiming that is their greatest ever amplifier, which is excessive marks, however from what I’ve heard at Munich they current a powerful exhibiting.