RMAF Report: The New Integrated Amp from Audio Research

Posted by: Neil Gader at 5:05 pm, October 6th, 2009

It’s easy to miss things at RMAF and I was so busy admiring the Vandersteen 7/ARC setup that I nearly overlooked the first US appearance of Audio Research’s DSi200, a high power solid state integrated amp equipped with remote control, three single-ended intputs and a pair of balanced inputs. It’s a beauty, with ARC’s classic chunky lines. It combines a hefty analog, linear power supply with a discrete MOSfet-based switching output stage of ARC’s own design.  Terry Dorn of ARC describes it as a different kind of “hybrid” that uses a regulated analog power supply with a high-speed switching output stage— but all solid-state.  And the DSi200 does not rely on any OEM modules or pre-manufactured components such as those found in designs from other “Class D” manufacturers. The resulting amplifier puts out 200 Wpc continuous into 8 ohms (300W into 4 ohms) with very high efficiency energy conversion — over 90% -- and almost no heat. And, says Dorn, it draws very little power at idle.  In fact, it’s so efficient that it achieved an “Energy Star” rating — unusual for this industry and for a high-powered amplifier. Man, I’d love to hear this baby soon. Price: $5995