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3025 100th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
phone 515-727-2279
fax 515-727-2283
sales@audiovideologic.com


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Serving Des Moines, the surrounding area, and the midwest for 21 Years!


Home theater and stereo specialist
   Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday...
   10:00am-6:00pm
   Thursday ... 10:00am-8:00pm
   Saturday ... 10:00am-5:00pm
   Sunday ... CLOSED
Audio Notes
 
 
Audio Research was founded in 1970 in Minneapolis with one goal in mind: to advance the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Today, Audio Research remains a performance-oriented company by philosophy and design. New product introductions are driven only by genuine advances in technology and performance -- the HIGH DEFINITION that is the hallmark of the company's products.
Audio Research Reference 5 SE

With a new larger power supply and technology from the now famous Ref 40 Anniversary Preamp, the new REF 5 SE is the latest model in a series of the finest and most successful line-stage preamplifiers ever made. From the REF1 to the REF2 to the REF3 to the REF5, each one has built upon the legacy of its predecessor as the most sought-after reference level line-stage preamplifier. The REF5 SE clearly redefines the state of the art at a price that is not inexpensive but represents extraordinary value.

Retail $12,995
Audio Research VS-115

Serious music listeners often prefer the sound of vacuum tubes to solid state. This brand new power amplifier from venerable Audio Research offers 120 wpc of balanced vacuum tube magic and can drive either 4 or 8 ohm speakers. XLR and RCA inputs.

Retail $6495
VS-115
Audio Research VSI-60

This compact vacuum tube integrated amplifier gives that warm musical sound only tubes can offer with the performance that only comes from Audio Research's 38 years of design experience. 50 wpc into 8 or 4 ohm loads. Remote control, mono sub output. Black or silver faceplate.

Retail $4995
VSI-60
Audio Research LS-17

This new model remote controlled vacuum tube line stage offers the upgrade feature of balanced circuitry with XLR inputs and outputs, as well as RCA. It has an improved volume control and lower noise than the older LS-16mk2 it replaced.

 
Retail $3995 
SP-17
Audio Research SP-17

This brand new model remote controlled vacuum tube preamp is available as a line stage only (retail $2995) or with built in phono stage. It has an improved volume control and lower noise than the older SP-16 it replaced.

Retail $3495 With phono,   $2995 without phono

DSI-200
Audio Research DSI-200

The DSi200 delivers 200 WPC continuously into an 8-ohm load, 400+ WPC dynamically into 8 ohms, and 800+ dynamically into 4 ohms. This allows the it to control large, power-hungry speakers with remarkable ease. All this is generated with almost no heat. The DSi200 is a fully balanced design offering two sets of balanced inputs and three sets of single-ended inputs. One set of single-ended inputs can be used as a normal line-level input or it can be converted into a home-theater passthrough.  The heavy front panel features Volume and Input selectors flanking a vacuum-flourescent display.

Retail $5995
LS-27
Audio Research Reference 250

The 250 watt Reference 250 uses a new power transformer with 50% more energy storage, along with KT-120 output tubes giving it trenendous impact, bass speed, control, and definition.  New teflon capcitors improve resolution and focus. Sonically the Reference 250 is simply stunning in every respect. Resolution of detail is uncanny, with a vivid, transparent, you-are-there quality that is captivating. Once you have heard them, you will not soon forget the magic of these amplifiers.

Retail $25,990 / pr

Audio Research LS-27

Hybrid JFET/tube stereo line stage with remote control. Controls: Selectable high/medium/low gain settings, BAL/SE selection, balance control, invert (phase), and stereo/mono selection. Processor pass-through for home theater applications,dimmable display with the option of being turned off.  All of the inputs and outputs have balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connectors, including six pairs of discrete inputs. Gain is provided by twin 6H30 triodes.

Retail $6995
Audio Research PH-8

Tube phono preamplifier with remote control. Vacuum-fluorescent display with eight selectable brightness levels. When the display is turned off, nine small pixels remains dimly lit to remind one that the unit remains powered-up. Buttons for Loading, Stereo/Mono, Muting, and Power. Remote control access of the above functions plus a tube hour meter. One set of single-ended inputs and one set of single ended outputs. Detachable 15A IEC cord. Circuit board material is the same as in the Reference products.

Retail $6995

PH-8
Audio Research DAC-8

This reference quality 24-192khz DAC has a USB input for accessing stored music on your computer, also RCA, BNC, XLR and optical digital inputs. Audio Research has maximized the USB capability of the DAC8 by incorporating USB 2.0 HS (High Speed) which runs at 480Mbps. USB 2.0 HS has a lower jitter specification than USB 2.0 FS (Full Speed 12mbps), consequently the DAC8 is capable of reproducing music at higher definition/resolution (up to 24/192) than products communicating at USB 2.0 FS speeds (24/96). The remote control allows you to track skip using Windows Media player or iTunes. XLR or RCA analog outputs. Black or silver faceplate.

Retail $4995

DAC-8
Reference 250
Reference 5 SE
Audio Research DS-225

Audio Research’s proprietary Class D all-discrete analog switching mosfet output technology combined with a large, linear analog power supply, yielding tremendous speed and power delivery, but doing so with cool-running efficiency, idling at only 38 watts. The DS225 is a global feedback-free, fully-balanced design with both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs. It has an uncanny ability to resolve information and place musicians firmly within a large soundstage even at low levels. You’ll hear none of the “dead zone” effect at low volume that is common to other conventional switching designs. Bass control, reach and impact are all superb, while musical dynamics are instantaneous. In addition, the amplifier has an extremely low noise floor, allowing instruments to emerge from a black background. Tonal balance is neutral, fine grained and relaxed. Like all Audio Research products, the DS225 is made by hand in Plymouth.

Retail $4995
DS-225
Audio Research Reference 75


The REF75 is a great looking amplifier, slightly reminiscent of our older classic designs. The front panel has two illuminated analog power/bias meters, one for each channel. Under each meter is a knob to switch from power output to bias monitoring for each output tube.  The outer dimensions of the REF75 are identical to the REF150. The front panel, handles, and top cover are available in Natural or Black. Power output is 75 WPC continuous, based upon a push-pull, fully-balanced circuit (like the REF150), with only one matched pair of KT120 output tubes per channel. The input stage utilizes direct-coupled JFETs with a single 6H30 driver tube per channel. Like the REF150, output stage coupling is a combination of “Ultralinear” andAudio Research's patented “partially cathode coupled” topology, yielding better sound than conventional pentode or triode operation. Because of its modest heat output, cooling fans are not necessary.  The REF75 is a wonderfully refined amplifier with stunning transparency, resolving power, and tonal color. Its effortless dynamics and bass impact allow it to be paired with the finest full-range speakers. The REF75 plays big and with great finesse.

Retail $8995
Audio Research LP-1

With the enthusiasm for high quality analog music playback remaining undiminished in today’s digital world, we are pleased to introduce a new phono stage designed primarily for higher output cartridges. The LP1 will offer high value and truly great performance.  The chassis is a compact 13” wide, by 8.6” deep, by 4.5” high. The front panel has the inset Audio Research logo with an engraved line completing the panel, but no handles. There are simply two switches for Power/Off and Mute/Operate. The entire chassis is silver, and the front panel is only available in Natural. The LP1 has 47dB of gain, perfect for higher output (>1.0mV) MM and MC cartridges. It is a hybrid design utilizing one 6H30 tube, special low noise JFETs, custom Audio Research designed power transformer (made in the U.S.), and multiple stages of regulation. There is no overall feedback, and it is noninverting. Inputs and outputs are single-ended. The LP1 simply sounds wonderful, with great transparency and a lovely tonal balance. Typically Audio Research, the LP1 has dynamic life, passing gobs of information and sorting out the most complex musical passage. Airy on top, resolute on the bottom, the LP1 is fun to listen to and distances itself from the competition. Put it in any system at hand and have a great time with some vinyl.

Retail $2195
Phonostage, Phono Preamplifier
Please call us if you do not have a local dealer 515-727-2279
Audio Research Reference CD-9

The REF CD9 incorporates four digital inputs: Asynchronous USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink. All inputs handle 24 bit / 192k resolution. As you would expect, the REF CD9 retains the Philips PRO2R transport, still the best dedicated CD mechanism available. It is simply unsurpassed for compact disc playback. Like the REF5SE, REF PH2SE and REF DAC, the analog section is vacuum-tube, with four 6H30 dual-triodes, and there is vacuum-tube power-supply regulation featuring a6550WE with a 6H30. Sonically, the REF CD9 is in a new class, combining the magical musicality of tubes with new levels of transparency and aliveness. The REF CD9 sounds “faster” with greater transient speed, improved dynamics from top to bottom, much greater resolution of inner detail, with a focus and purity that is captivating. Rhythm, pace and timing are better than ever, something you must hear to appreciate.

Retail $13,000
Audio Research Reference 9, REF -9