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Description: Solid-state integrated amplifier. Power output (both channels driven): 50Wpc into 8 ohms (17dBW), 90Wpc into 4 ohms (16.5dBW). Frequency response: 10Hz–40kHz, ±3dB. Total Harmonic Distortion: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.02%. S/N ratio: !w95dB (A-weighted). Power consumption: 260W (full power).
Dimensions: 4.25" (105mm) H by 17.5" (442mm) W by 12.75" (320mm) D. Weight: 19 lbs. (8kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: I 000108.
Price: $995; remote control adds $50. Approximate number of dealers: 35.
Manufacturer: Audio Refinement. Distributor: Audio…

I went into a good bit of detail about my system in the November 1998 Stereophile (Vol.21 No.11, p.105), when I reviewed the Joseph Audio RM22si loudspeaker. While there's no need to reprise everything here, my system has since undergone some fundamental changes in core components and tweaks that are worth mentioning.

I'm still using a pair of 20' JPS Labs Superconductor speaker cables to biwire the Joseph RM22si's. They have a really nice tonal balance, a smooth top end, and excellent bass focus. The replacement of my Dual CN5000/Ortofon XM5 combo…

All measurements of the Audio Refinement Integrated, except as noted, were made at a level-control setting that resulted in a 1W output into an 8 ohm load with an input of 100mV. The physical position of the level control for this condition was approximately 3:00, the voltage gain into 8 ohms 29.2dB at this setting.

The amplifier was very warm, but not hot, following its 1-hour, 1/3-power preconditioning test (conducted at 8 ohms). Its line input impedance measured 54.4k ohms. This decreased to 18k ohms at the level control's maximum position, and…

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Construction is also of very high quality, even for a $400 device. Tiffany jacks are used selectively for two pairs of inputs and one pair of output jacks. The unit uses Lorlin selector…

The Mod Squad's standard Line Drive, the one that's become the passive control preamplifier, costs a mere $500; Steve McCormack is the first to admit that it is a value-oriented design. His ultimate goal, however, was to construct a passive control system that would be sonically identical to plugging a source component directly into the power amplifier. The Deluxe AGT version represents Steve's best shot yet at that goal: a slam-dunk of a shot in which nothing has been spared to wring that nth…