Audio Research DS225 silver and black

Audio Research produces some wonderful solid state gear. Ask any ARC dealer how strong the DS225 is and you will hear great comments. This is yet another great Audio Research solid state amplifier that has slipped through audio reviewing cracks simply because there isn’t a tube inside. The DS225 is a world class power amp with strong power supply. The amp delivers on all counts, imaging, texture, harmonic bloom, dimensional space, detail with out glare and an amazing ability to simply get out of the way and morph into what ever your sending into it.  Audio Research is unlike other class D amplifiers, their hybrid proprietary Class D has all-discrete analog switching supply and then on to a mosfet output technology combined with a large, linear analog power supply, yielding tremendous speed and power delivery, but doing so with cool-running efficiency, idling at only 38 watts. The DS225 is designed for maintenance-free operation and long, reliable service life—it can even be placed in an enclosed cabinet without a second thought. The DS225 delivers 225 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 360 watts per channel into 4 ohms allowing it to drive almost any speaker available today with total ease.
The DS225 is a global feedback-free, fully-balanced design with both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs and incorporates the wonderful Dual Cardas patented binding posts.

I went to the Axpona show last April in Chicago. The Audio Research room sounded amazing using the DS series amplifiers which is just a more powerful version of the DS225 .  

The Absolute Sound wrote:    "Well, guess what? This year—for the first time—ARC and Sonus showed very well together, and not with one of Sf’s little stand-mounts but with its giant, $120k, six-driver, three-and-a-halfway Aida. What changed? In two words, the amplifiers. Rather than feeding the Aida tube power, ARC opted to drive them with its DSM450 Class D monoblock amplifiers ".  note: the  last of the photo showing the DS amps the Sonus Faber Aida is not my system (wish it was). 

After reading my description you might surmise that I really like this amplifier, yes I do. This amplifier is an extreme performer and will compete against many mega dollar amps for refinement, easily exceeding your expectations. The sale of this DS225 has absolutely nothing to do with its performance, in fact it sounds fabulous.  I just added a headphone amp system and with my computer as a music server in my system, both are requiring a ton more space than I have available (see photo). So with my shelving crisis (see photo) something had to give, so to create space and get the computer off the floor I’m selling my Preamp, power amp and DAC and replacing everything with single chassis components.

This amplifier in the Classic ARC black and silver color scheme blends well other component finishes.  My DS225 amplifiers have been bullet proof. This is my second DS225, I sold the first last year and after missing it I bought another. This amplifier is just over two years old. I’m the second owner, during which, it has been in a humidically controlled, smoke, pet, and wife free man cave. If wish to research its history the serial number is 81405605.  It works and performs perfectly (no unwelcome surprises) and I cannot find any cosmetic flaw. I always default towards the conservative side in describing condition hence the 8/10 rating.  (see my feed back)..  I will happily accept a Postal money orders or bank funds wire transfer, add 3% for Pay Pal.    Included is all factory packaging Email seller or Contact Dave at 407-312-2176  if you any questions.