Since then, ARC has continued to grow in size and in reputation, and is now one of the cornerstones of high-end audio. Peploe retained Johnson as an employee, but two years later he quit, bought back his patents, moved operations to a much larger facility, and founded Audio Research Corporation. Johnson bought the retail space in the early 1960s to market his products, and continued to build a formidable customer base until 1968, when Peploe Inc., a large marketing company, bought Electronic Industries, Johnson’s patent applications, and his technical files. In 1951, Johnson started his first company, Electronic Industries, located in the rear half of a retail space that served as both factory and test lab. His first commercial amplifier, released in 1949, was an all-triode, transformer-coupled, three-box design that included a standalone power supply. Johnson had begun building amplifiers in the late 1940s. On the other hand, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was put into effect, Boeing had just introduced the world to the 747 Jumbo Jet, and William Zane Johnson founded Audio Research Corporation (ARC) - the same month Aerosmith was born. Power Requirements: 100, 110, 120, 220, or 240 VAC 50-60 Hzĭimensions: Front Panel 19' Wide X 10.5' High, Chassis 16.It could be said that 1970 was a tumultuous year: the Apollo 13 accident, President Richard Nixon’s invasion of Cambodia, and Paul McCartney’s announcement that the Beatles had officially disbanded. Hum & Noise: More than 80db below rated output Input Sensitivity: 2.2 volts for rated output Input Impedance: 80K ohms at 20 Hz 30K ohms at 15k Hz Power Output: 150 Watts per channel minimum RMS, into a 4, 8, or 16 ohm load Audio Research built only 200 of these amplifiers, making it one of the most sought after collectables (as well as an amazing amplifier), that still rivals some of the best of today.Ĭlick here for a PDF copy of the original D-150 Sales BrochureĬlick here for a PDF copy of the original D-150 Instruction ManualĬlick here for a PDF copy of the original D-150 Schematic The sound quality and output power of the D-150 is not the only thing about it that's rare. HP himself commented that because of its unparalleled faithfulness to the sound of real music, the D-150 is one of those rare products that no one ever forgets first hearing.

Rated in the 2012 'Absolute Sound Guide to Audio Electronics' as the '3rd MOST SIGNIFICANT AMPLIFIER OF ALL TIME', the Audio Research D-150 was the world's first powerful vacuum tube stereo amplifier. The D-150 is regarded by many as The Ultimate Classic Amplifier *Special Note - if you own one of these rare pieces of history and want to learn more about selling it or are interested in trading it in for something else of interesting value - please contact us directly*

Audio research classic 150 monoblocks