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Audio Research D125 Review by James Leahy
Introduction The Audio Research D125 was introduced in 1988 and uses eight 6550C output tubes. There is a rated power output of 110 watts per channel to deal with. This should be more then enough in most cases. The energy storage is 280 Joules and the input/driver stage is JFET. The D125 is a heavy amplifier weighing in at 39kg's and having an attractive looking chassis with a small footprint it can be placed nearly anywhere.
The back panel supports loudspeaker taps for 4, 8 and 16 ohm units. There is a mute toggle switch that is useful for various functions and Single Ended inputs only. The chassis sports two muffin cooling fans on it's underside which is directly responsible for extending tube life and helping with the management of the overall temperature of the amplifier. The build quality is excellent as with all of Audio Research's products and this is one of my favourite ARC valve models from this time period. For the price you cannot go wrong with this classic in your system and it will keep it's value like few other's can.
Sonic Evaluations Using Little Feat's - 'Down On The Farm' album (Warner, 1979) the soundstage of the D125 is detailed but at the same time laid back. This may be caused by it's hybrid design. It is never fatiguing to listen to and has plenty of power on tap to drive even inefficient loudspeakers in a largish listening room. I took to it better than the ARC V70. The D125 can be a real bargain on the second hand market today if you can find one in good condition. There is the detail in the midrange and top end without any harsh overtones as the music becomes more complicated. The bass extension is one area that the D125 I feel is slightly falling behind compared to the newer Audio Research VT100 Mk.III or VS110. The image of the D125 is the most laid back of the three but when paired with the excellent Audio Research LS26 pre-amplifier there is a world of difference in the presentation over it and the SP16. The SP16 and the D125 did not produce as much well rounded harmonics as the LS26/D125 combination did. This was really a great match and it corrected a lot of the problems that I had first heard. The D125's dynamics were no where near as impressive as the VS110 or VT100 Mk.III when in my system, but it is a different style of amplifier and made in a different time period. It gives that classic warmth and tube sound that many will love although it uses JFET's this does not affect the character of sound in this area. It is not overly lush though as Audio Research prefer to voice their amplifiers closer to neutral rather then overly colored. Those looking for a lower priced second hand tube amp that is relatively neutral with just enough elevation in the midrange/upper midrange to lend an element of added excitement while still showcasing the rich and smooth flavor of tubes will want to seek out this amplifier. You must put this amplifier with a well rounded pre-amplifier as this is the most critical factor in my opinion for success. The top end is not as extended and punchy as some but the detail is there just more subtitle in presentation rather then up-front and in your face. Use it with a newer Audio Research pre-amplifier that uses the 6H30 tubes and you will have a nice combination to play with.
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