Behind the scenes Audio Research I/50

Warren also listens to every unit that comes in for service.  New or serviced...nothing leave the building until Warren approves.  I have been buying and swapping out used pieces for the past 4 years to finally arrive at a system I feel I can live with for several years.  Over that time, they have been extremely helpful whenever I needed support.  They are a great bunch of folks and I am proud to own their equipment.  I would like to hear the new I/50 but am disappointed in the aesthetics.  I also find it very interesting how they reverted back to the 6550 & 6922 tubes.  They had been so adamant about the KT120/150 & 6H30.

I had a chance to listen to the Audio Research I/50 at John Rutan's place last weekend. It was driving Vandersteen VLR CT's with a pair of REL T5/i's. Source was an Auralic Altair G1 I believe. 

Very engaging system that really left me wanting for nothing. When I asked Jeff what the sonic differences were between the I/50 and the Rogue Cronus Magnum III he said the I/50 was more lush, romantic and tubey in comparison. 

I may ask John for an in-house demo of the I/50, but I'll probably hold off until the winter. As my upstairs listening room can get hot!  

It make me wanna buy Audio research stuff.Thank you for sharing.