9
Input Connectors
The Reference 150 SE uses a fully balanced
circuit topology and has a pair of balanced
XLR input connectors on the rear panel. It
therefore requires a balanced preamplifier
output, as provided by most Audio Research
preamplifiers. Connect your preamplifier’s
output to the Reference 150 SE before
turning on the amplifier.
Output Connectors
Heavy-duty output terminals are provided
on the rear panel for 4, 8, or 16-ohm speaker
impedance loads. Using high-quality speaker
cables, securely fasten the (-) speaker lead to
the appropriate (black) terminal, then the (+)
lead to the matching (red) terminal. Follow
your speaker manufacturer’s impedance
specification.
The Reference 150 SE puts out the same
amount of power whether the 4, 8, or 16-
ohm terminals are used.
Matching
It is important to use as close as possible
an impedance match between the amplifier
and speaker for optimum transfer of
power to the speaker with minimum
distortion. In the case of speaker systems
with significant variations in impedance
throughout the frequency spectrum, such
as most electrostatic types, determine the
best impedance match empirically for best
overall sonic results.
Connect the Reference 150 SE input to the
preamplifier or electronic crossover, using
only the highest grade of audio interconnect
cables. To avoid sonic degradation use the
shortest practical length of cables.
Important
Use the best available speaker wires
and interconnects. Audio Research
cannot emphasize this enough. As better
components and systems are developed,
it becomes increasingly important to
avoid the limitations of inferior system
interconnections.
It is important sonically that your entire
system be connected so that the audio
signal arriving at the speakers has correct,
or ‘absolute’ polarity (i.e., non-inverted).
Connect the black or ‘–‘ speaker terminal to
the wire that connects to the ‘0’ terminal on
the Reference 150 SE. Connect the red or ‘+’
speaker terminal to the wire that connects to
the 4, 8, or 16-ohm terminal on the Reference
150 SE and tighten the speaker terminals
securely to ensure best sonic results.
Connections
