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Does anyone on this Forum have any experience with Audio research ref 610t monoblocks

Good afternoon. 
I have a chance to pick up a set of very nice Audio research ref 610t monoblocks . I believe there rated at 600 wpc, class A, or A/B, not sure. I think they use around 16-20 tubes. It’s a older amp, older technology. But in the 70s they sold for around 40k for the set. Anyways, I wanted to know if anyone here on the board has a pair, has heard them, and get your honest opinion. How do they sound? Are they noisy? 
How would you compare them say to a Prima Luna,, etc, etc. I know they are super heavy, I think 170 pounds each . And the tubes can be expensive. But I’m trying to find some people that can tell me there experience with these amps. Thank you

128x128agolde1110
testpilot
952 posts
 

Unless you absolutely need that many tube watts, I would stay away. Heat, tube replacement cost, size, potential service issues, ugly etc. 

invalid
1,203 posts
 

I heard the 610T amps in a biamped system in a dedicated room. The gentleman was powering the midrange/tweeter of a pair of apogee diva panel speakers, he was using krell FPB 750 MCX monoblocks for the bass panels, and an arc preamp. The sound was excellent. He also had to figure out how much heat the system was going to put out into the room so the proper central air unit could be used.

agolde1110's avatar
agolde1110 OP
2 posts
 

Lalitk, 

I don’t have one specific system as some. I have a pair of Magico s3 mk2 speakers , boulder Hercules amp, a couple of dedicated dacs, Also a pair of La scala speakers that I already have a Prima Luna amp and Preamp, as well as a pair of Atc 50s. I wasn’t aware that we are only allowed to have one system to be able to discuss audio equipment. My bad. Before I buy or add something to my collection of gear I’d like to ask around . Thank you for your input , much appreciated. I just acquired a Benchmark La4 after all the good feedback for a neutral preamp. Thank all for your recommendations.

gregdude
222 posts
 

Buy them! I  repeat BUY THEM. Obviously, as long as you xan afford it and all that sort of preconsideration. The others are right, at least about the age, they ain't old. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,780 posts
 

@agolde1110 

Buy them, you won’t be sorry. I have a friend who has a pair, so I’ve listened to them several times and I drool each time.  Just remember, they do put off a lot of heat. I’ve teased my friend that we could do Sunday breakfast on them. Bacon on the left and the eggs on the right. 
 

Let us know what you decide.

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