The S-200 is a stereo power amplifier by Audio Research that delivers 200 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 400 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in 2015. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Audio Research S-200 has an MSRP of $12,950.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Audio Research S-200 is rated at 200 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Audio Research provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.1% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 200 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.1%
- 400 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 200 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Audio Research S-200?
200 W into 8 ohms, 400 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Audio Research S-200 is rated at 200 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Over 180 watts band. That is the top band we cover, so there is no step up from here - if it is not enough, the answer is more sensitive speakers or a smaller room, not more watts.
When pairing the Audio Research S-200 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Audio Research S-200 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Audio Research S-200 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Are you nuts? |
| Small Room | Bad |
| Mid-size Room | Poor |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Good |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Audio Research S-200, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Audio Research S-200 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Outputs
Bluetooth Connectivity
Audio Research S-200 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Audio Research S-200. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the
iFi Zen Blue V2 and the
Audioengine B1.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 2 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
Audio Research S-200 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Audio Research S-200 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Balanced connections
Audio Research S-200 has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
Audio Research S-200 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Power nearly doubles into a harder load, 200 watts into 8 ohms rising to 400 into 4, which points to a power supply with real current in reserve.
- ✓200 watts per channel into 8 ohms is more than most rooms and most speakers will ever ask for.
- ✓Damping factor of 300 means a low output impedance and firm control over a woofer.
- ✓Dual-mono construction, with the two channels kept separate through the power supply.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
- ✓Made in USA.
- ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.
Audio Research S-200 External Dimensions and Weight
Audio Research S-200 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 7 x 19 x 17-1/2 inch (177.8 x 482.6 x 444.5 mm ). The unit weighs
18.6 kg (41 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Audio Research S-200 is approximately 2145.2cm2 / 332.5inch2.
- Width: 482.6mm (19")
- Height: 177.8mm (7")
- Depth: 444.5mm (17-1/2")
- Weight: 18.6 kg (41 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2145.2cm2 / 332.5inch2
- Volume: ~38.1 liter / 10.1 gallon
Available colors
Audio Research S-200 is available in Black and Silver color options.
| General |
| Brand |
Audio Research |
| Full Model Name |
Audio Research S-200 |
| Release Date |
2015 |
| Amplifier Type |
Power Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class A/B |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
200 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
400 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Damping Factor |
300 |
| THD |
0.1% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
100 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Headphone Output |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
177.8mm (7") |
| Width |
482.6mm (19") |
| Depth |
444.5mm (17-1/2") |
| Weight |
18.6 kg (41 lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black,Silver |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
How much power does the Audio Research S-200 have?
The Audio Research S-200 delivers 200 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 400 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Its output almost doubles into 4 ohms, which points to a strong power supply that can hold its composure with demanding, low-impedance speakers.
Does the Audio Research S-200 use vacuum tubes?
No. The Audio Research S-200 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the Audio Research S-200?
The Audio Research S-200 uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Does the Audio Research S-200 have a built-in DAC?
No. The Audio Research S-200 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the Audio Research S-200?
No. The Audio Research S-200 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the Audio Research S-200 have Bluetooth?
No. The Audio Research S-200 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the Audio Research S-200 have a headphone output?
No. The Audio Research S-200 does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the Audio Research S-200 cost?
The Audio Research S-200 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $12,950.
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