Audio Research - D240 Solid state power amplifier

The Audio Research D240 MkI is a stereo solid-state power amplifier built in the early 1990s, highly appreciated for combining part of Audio Research's characteristic musicality with the reliability of a fully transistorized stage.

Main features:
Type: Stereo solid-state power amplifier.
Manufacturing period: Approximately 1990-1992.
Output power: 120 W per channel at 8 Ω in stereo.
Minimum recommended load impedance: 4 Ω.
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz.
Damping factor: 170.
Gain: 25.8 dB.
Input sensitivity: 1.6 V.
Signal-to-noise ratio: 106 dB.
Weight: 17.3 kg.
Dimensions: 480 × 133 × 295 mm.
Technical design
Input stage based on selected J-FET and MOS-FET.
Direct-coupled output stage with multiple high-current transistors per channel.
Electronically regulated power supply.
Energy storage capacity of approximately 180 joules.
Electronic protection against short circuits, overloads and DC at the output, with no fuses in the signal path.

Connections:
Unbalanced RCA inputs.
Inverted RCA inputs for balanced operation.
Balanced XLR inputs.
Can operate in stereo or bridged mode.

Sound:
The D240 MkI is often described as one of Audio Research's solid-state stages from its era that sounds the most "valve-like":

Warm and fluid sound.
Wide and deep soundstage.
Very natural mids.
Controlled bass.