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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
ghdprentice
6,867 posts
 

I believe the REF 610T was released in 2005. personally I would buy without any hesitation… but if you look at my system, I’m a big Audio Research fan.

Audio Research has tried to stay true to a very detailed and musical sound since their origin. While I probably heard them… but don’t remember… I will admit if it was in the offering I would snap a pair up without thinking. What an incredible piece of audio history… I bet not so far out of date as to make it anything but spectacular.

 

 

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,942 posts
 

I did a double take when OP said that they came out in the '70's!

tablejockey
3,870 posts
 

"How would you compare them say to a Prima Luna"

Get real! It appears you’re new to tube amps?

That level of ARC and a value MIC tube amp shouldn’t be in the same sentence, with exception of equal build quality.

Both amps hooked up to same setup at low volume will sound good,and you can nit pick what the ARC does "better". Start bumping the volume-game over, ARC pulls away effortlessly.

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