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Overview

Audio Research Reference 330M Monoblock Power Amplifier

MAKE MUSIC COME ALIVE

The Audio Research Reference 330M is a statement-level monoblock power amplifier engineered to bring the listener closer to the reality of a live performance.

With 330 watts of all-tube power, the Reference 330M combines extraordinary control and dynamic authority with the delicacy, purity, and tonal richness that define the finest vacuum-tube amplification.

Hand-built and representing more than five decades of Audio Research experience, the 330M is designed to command virtually any loudspeaker while preserving the emotion, texture, and spatial character of the recording.


A HAND-BUILT MASTERPIECE

ALL-TUBE SIGNAL PATH EXCEPTIONAL CONTROL
From its ECC83 input stage through its KT170 output tubes, the 330M uses an all-tube signal path for natural, expressive musical reproduction. 330 watts of output provide the authority and grip required to control demanding, statement-level loudspeakers.
TUBE REGULATION DYNAMIC EXPRESSION
Tube regulation in the power supply contributes to the amplifier's characteristic purity and musical ease. High-power performance is combined with delicacy, tonal density, and startling dynamic life.

The Reference 330M is the culmination of Audio Research's experience, combining new technology and circuit development with the company's established vacuum-tube architecture.


POWER WITHOUT COMPROMISE

The 330M is designed to deliver the ease and authority of high power without sacrificing the finesse normally associated with lower-powered tube amplifiers.

Its presentation combines:

TONAL SATURATION • DENSITY • LIQUIDITY • PRECISION • DYNAMIC LIFE

Extension at both ends of the frequency spectrum is designed to reproduce the full scale of modern recordings, including the deepest bass from capable loudspeakers.


ENGINEERED FOR WORRY-FREE PERFORMANCE

AUTO-BIAS LONG TUBE LIFE
Automatic bias maintains consistent operating performance minute after minute and day after day. Audio Research specifies approximately 3,000 hours of output-tube life.
REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM INTEGRATION
12V triggers and RS-232 control provide convenient system integration. Fully balanced inputs plus single-ended inputs allow compatibility with a wide range of source components and preamplifiers.

The 330M also incorporates automatic power-saving functionality, fan-speed control, a tube-hour meter, tube monitoring, and selectable meter lighting and meter action.


REFERENCE-LEVEL FEATURES

330 WATTS AUTO-BIAS
High-power monoblock amplification. Automatic tube biasing for consistent operation.
4Ω / 8Ω OUTPUTS BALANCED + SINGLE-ENDED
Dedicated 4-ohm and 8-ohm speaker output taps. XLR and single-ended inputs.
12V TRIGGER RS-232
Remote system power control. Advanced system control and integration.

TUBE COMPLEMENT

The Reference 330M employs a carefully selected tube complement built around its high-power, all-tube architecture.

FUNCTION TUBES
Power Output 6 × KT170
Input 1 × ECC83 + 1 × 6H30
Power Supply 1 × 6550 + 1 × 6H30



TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SPECIFICATION REFERENCE 330M
Type Monoblock Power Amplifier
Power Output 330 watts
Tube Biasing Auto-Bias
Output Taps 4Ω / 8Ω
Output Tubes 6 × KT170
Input Tubes 1 × ECC83, 1 × 6H30
Power Supply Tubes 1 × 6550, 1 × 6H30
Inputs XLR & Single-Ended
Controls 12V Triggers, RS-232 Remote Control
Power Saving Standby Mode
Weight 101 lb



THE POWER OF THE REFERENCE

The Reference 330M brings together the scale and authority of a high-power amplifier with the tonal sophistication and expressive freedom of an all-tube design.

For systems built around truly reference-level loudspeakers, it offers an uncompromising foundation—330 watts of controlled, dynamic, richly textured musical power.

AUDIO RESEARCH REFERENCE 330M
Power. Purity. Presence. The performance, fully realized.

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FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Do you price match?

Yes. We match any authorised dealer, including big-box retailers. If you find the same product at a lower price, contact us and we'll match it.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes — free shipping on every order, with 2-day delivery available on most products. Easy returns and exchanges are included.

Where is your showroom?

We're at 6362 Alder Drive, Houston, Texas. The showroom lets you hear and compare reference-level systems in person before making any decisions. If you're considering a larger purchase or installation, it's well worth the visit.

Can I buy online without visiting the showroom?

Yes. The full product range is available through the online store with free nationwide shipping. For more complex system builds, speaking with one of our advisers first tends to lead to a better result.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. Special financing is available through the BrandSource Credit Card for qualifying purchases, allowing you to spread payments over time with no annual fee. Promotional rebate savings are also available periodically. See the financing page for full details.

Do you install systems as well as sell equipment?

Yes — installation is central to what we do. We design and install whole-home audio and video, home theaters, media rooms, outdoor audio, lighting and motorised shades, and full smart home automation.

Do you provide support after installation?

Yes. We provide ongoing service and support to ensure systems continue performing as intended — not just on installation day, but over the long term.