Audio Research S-200 Stereo Power Amplifier

200 Wpc, True Dual-Mono Construction, and Fully Balanced Circuitry in Audio Research’s Solid-State S Series

The Audio Research S-200 is a 200-watt-per-channel stereo power amplifier and one of the company’s latest solid-state designs. A pure class-AB amplifier, it combines a linear power supply with true dual-mono construction, using two toroidal transformers to feed fully balanced stereo circuits.

Rated power doubles from 200 Wpc into 8 ohms to 400 Wpc into 4 ohms, giving the S-200 substantial output for demanding loudspeaker systems. Audio Research chose bipolar output transistors rather than MOSFETs, citing their purity, transparency, and dynamic performance as reasons for the design choice.

Dual-Mono Architecture

Beyond the shared AC input, the S-200 is built around a dual-mono platform with separate toroidal power transformers. The amplifier's balanced circuit architecture continues Audio Research's long-standing emphasis on fully balanced designs while bringing that approach to the company's newest generation of solid-state amplification.

A New Look for Audio Research

The S-200's machined aluminum chassis is available in black or silver anodized finishes. Custom-machined heat sinks and the absence of visible fasteners on the front and top give the amplifier a cleaner, more contemporary interpretation of classic Audio Research industrial design.

Front-panel power-output meters follow the style of Audio Research's current meter designs, using a solid black background rather than the transparent Ghost Meters found on the company's Reference amplifiers.

Built in Minnesota

Audio Research builds its S Series amplifiers at its Minnesota facility alongside its Reference tube amplifiers. Following measurement and bench testing, each amplifier is also evaluated by ear as part of the company's established production process.

Features

• 200 Wpc into 8 ohms and 400 Wpc into 4 ohms
• Pure class-AB amplifier design
• True dual-mono architecture
• Dual toroidal power transformers
• Fully balanced stereo circuitry
• Bipolar output transistors
• Balanced and single-ended inputs
• Front-panel power-output meters
• Machined aluminum chassis with custom-machined heat sinks
• Black or silver anodized finish
• Manufactured at Audio Research's Minnesota facility

Specifications

Power Output: 200 Wpc into 8 ohms; 400 Wpc into 4 ohms

THD (1 kHz, 8 Ohms): <0.1% from 0.25 W to rated output

Input Sensitivity: 1.8 V RMS for rated output

Input Impedance: 100 kΩ, balanced or single-ended

Gain: Non-inverting; balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)

Noise: 100 dB

Frequency Response: ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz

Damping Factor: 300, 20 Hz–1 kHz

Power Requirements (120 V AC): 0.25 W standby; 48 W on at idle; 475 W at rated output

Dimensions (H × W × D): 7" × 19" × 17.5" (17.78 × 48.26 × 44.45 cm)

Shipping Weight: 63 lb. (28.5 kg)

Weight: 41 lb. (19 kg)