Audio Research S-100 Stereo Power Amplifier

Name: Audio Research S-100 Stereo Power Amplifier
Brand: Audio Research
Price: 20000.00 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

$20,000.00

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The Audio Research S-100 Stereo Power Amplifier represents a new generation of solid-state amplification from one of high-end audio’s most respected names. Drawing on decades of experience developing reference vacuum tube amplifiers, Audio Research has created a powerful Class AB amplifier that combines exceptional transparency, dynamic expression, and musical realism with the reliability and control of modern solid-state technology.

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Specifications

Type Stereo solid-state power amplifier
Circuit Design Fully balanced, dual-mono Class AB design
Output Power 100 watts per channel into 8Ω
Output Power (4Ω) 200 watts per channel into 4Ω
Frequency Response 0.5Hz – 110kHz (-3dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <0.05% at rated power
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >115dB (IHF weighted, relative to full output)
Input Sensitivity 1.4V RMS for rated output
Input Impedance 100kΩ balanced / 50kΩ single-ended
Gain 27.5dB
Output Current Capability High-current design suitable for demanding loudspeakers
Inputs Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA
Speaker Connections High-quality binding posts
Output Stage Bipolar transistor output stage
Input Stage Differential JFET input stage
Power Supply Dual toroidal transformer design
Power Consumption 500 watts maximum
Standby Consumption <1 watt

I found the S-100 to be among the best amps for bass performance that I’ve heard.

The Absolute Sound

The Art of Power and Musicality

Designed to deliver the emotional engagement traditionally associated with Audio Research, the S-100 defies the conventional expectations of solid-state amplification. Its fully balanced, dual-mono architecture and carefully engineered signal path preserve every detail of the recording, delivering a presentation that is open, natural, and effortlessly dynamic.

At the heart of the S-100 is a sophisticated differential JFET input stage combined with bipolar transistor output stages. This carefully selected combination provides exceptional clarity, low distortion, and the current delivery required to control even demanding loudspeakers with confidence. The amplifier’s Class AB design delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, doubling to 200 watts into 4 ohms for impressive scale and authority.

Built Around Pure Current Delivery

The S-100’s dual-toroidal transformer design provides a robust power foundation, ensuring effortless dynamics and excellent speaker control. Whether reproducing delicate acoustic recordings or large-scale orchestral performances, it delivers music with remarkable weight, precision, and realism.

Finished in a beautifully machined aluminium chassis with custom heatsinks and Audio Research’s modern design language, the S-100 is as visually refined as it is technically accomplished. Built alongside Audio Research’s Reference tube amplifiers at the company’s Minnesota facility, it represents a commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and long-term reliability.

Who is this for?

The S-100 is an excellent choice for enthusiasts building a reference-quality stereo system. It pairs beautifully with premium preamplifiers such as the Audio Research LS-2, LS-3, and Reference Series models, creating a system that combines exceptional transparency with the emotional engagement that makes music truly compelling.
Whether you're listening to intimate acoustic recordings, complex classical performances, or high-energy rock and jazz, the S-100 delivers the dynamic headroom and speaker control needed to reproduce music with confidence and scale.
For listeners moving from a high-end integrated amplifier to a dedicated preamplifier and power amplifier setup, the S-100 represents a significant step forward. The separation of amplification stages allows greater refinement, improved imaging, deeper soundstaging, and a more effortless presentation.

Is the Audio Research S-100 a tube or solid-state amplifier?

The Audio Research S-100 is a solid-state stereo power amplifier. It uses a fully balanced Class AB design with a JFET input stage and bipolar transistor output stage, combining the reliability and control of solid-state technology with the musical refinement Audio Research is known for.

How much power does the Audio Research S-100 produce?

The S-100 delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Its high-current design provides excellent control and dynamic headroom, making it suitable for a wide range of high-performance loudspeakers.

What type of speakers is the S-100 best suited for?

The S-100 is designed to drive demanding high-end loudspeakers with confidence. It is an excellent match for premium floorstanding speakers and systems where accurate control, dynamic range, and natural musical reproduction are important.

Can the S-100 be used in a bi-amped system?

Yes. With its balanced and single-ended inputs, the S-100 can be integrated into advanced systems, including bi-amped configurations where additional amplification channels are used to optimise speaker performance.

What preamplifiers pair well with the Audio Research S-100?

The S-100 is designed to work seamlessly with Audio Research preamplifiers, including the LS-2, LS-3, and Reference Series models. It also pairs well with other premium line-stage preamplifiers from high-end manufacturers.

Does the S-100 have balanced inputs?

Yes. The S-100 features both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, allowing it to integrate easily into a variety of high-end audio systems.

What makes the S-100 different from other solid-state amplifiers?

The S-100 combines Audio Research’s decades of amplifier expertise with modern solid-state engineering. Its fully balanced design, dual-mono architecture, high-current output stage, and carefully selected components deliver a presentation that is powerful, transparent, and musically engaging.

Is the S-100 suitable for large listening rooms?

Yes. With its strong current delivery, excellent dynamic capability, and ability to produce 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the S-100 is well suited to medium and larger listening spaces when partnered with appropriate loudspeakers.

Does the S-100 run hot?

Like all Class AB amplifiers, the S-100 generates heat during operation, particularly at higher listening levels. Adequate ventilation around the amplifier is recommended to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Audio Research S-100 Stereo Power Amplifier

Is the Audio Research S-100 a tube or solid-state amplifier?

The Audio Research S-100 is a solid-state stereo power amplifier. It uses a fully balanced Class AB design with a JFET input stage and bipolar transistor output stage, combining the reliability and control of solid-state technology with the musical refinement Audio Research is known for.

How much power does the Audio Research S-100 produce?

The S-100 delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Its high-current design provides excellent control and dynamic headroom, making it suitable for a wide range of high-performance loudspeakers.

What type of speakers is the S-100 best suited for?

The S-100 is designed to drive demanding high-end loudspeakers with confidence. It is an excellent match for premium floorstanding speakers and systems where accurate control, dynamic range, and natural musical reproduction are important.

Can the S-100 be used in a bi-amped system?

Yes. With its balanced and single-ended inputs, the S-100 can be integrated into advanced systems, including bi-amped configurations where additional amplification channels are used to optimise speaker performance.

What preamplifiers pair well with the Audio Research S-100?

The S-100 is designed to work seamlessly with Audio Research preamplifiers, including the LS-2, LS-3, and Reference Series models. It also pairs well with other premium line-stage preamplifiers from high-end manufacturers.

Does the S-100 have balanced inputs?

Yes. The S-100 features both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs, allowing it to integrate easily into a variety of high-end audio systems.

What makes the S-100 different from other solid-state amplifiers?

The S-100 combines Audio Research’s decades of amplifier expertise with modern solid-state engineering. Its fully balanced design, dual-mono architecture, high-current output stage, and carefully selected components deliver a presentation that is powerful, transparent, and musically engaging.

Is the S-100 suitable for large listening rooms?

Yes. With its strong current delivery, excellent dynamic capability, and ability to produce 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the S-100 is well suited to medium and larger listening spaces when partnered with appropriate loudspeakers.

Does the S-100 run hot?

Like all Class AB amplifiers, the S-100 generates heat during operation, particularly at higher listening levels. Adequate ventilation around the amplifier is recommended to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

I found the S-100 to be among the best amps for bass performance that I’ve heard. The impressive thing is the quality of the bass, not the amount, although the bass levels are just about ideal in my calibrated listening room. But the quality of the bass is an impressive and believable combination of detail, texture, richness and air.