I auditioned a number of amps including Classe CAP-80, Creek 5250, Celeste I-5080 and Myryad MA 120. The Audio Refinement simply stood out from the competition. This is a killer product that I can't recommend too much.The soundstage opened up, and the music was clear and crisp without being bright or fatiguing in any way. Bass is deep and tuneful.

The Audio Refinement does not have the all out slam of more powerful amps such as the Classe, which is a fine amp in its own right, but the Audio Refinement is much more musical.

Associated equipment: Arcam alpha 5+ cd player, Rega planar 3 with Bias and Creek phono amp, Totem Mite speakers with a/d/s subwoofer. Cables are Wireworld Atlantis and JPS Labs Ultraconnector. Monster Cable speaker wire.

Can't agree with Brian about the 5 star as 'absolute' category. There may and must be five-star awards for units with outstanding price/performance ratio even if they can't beat the best beasts with outrageous price tags.As for the AR series, the Complete amp is a true 4 star for its price (USD 800. Certainly it's more expensive in the US, and won't be the best buy there). It is indeed musical, with fine detail and neutral balance. The power limitations are obvious when the grand orchestra bangs (I auditioned it head-to-head with Integre DT on JMLab Electra speakers). Somehow Integre DT (that's my 5 stars) with same specs delivers far more juice. It is true that the sound bears no 'transistor' signature.
Overall a good amp, yet may be too weak do drive inefficient speakers.

Wow tough crowd. You guys wouldn't happen to moonlight as Olympic figure skating judges would you?
Seriously though, I do see Bryan's point about the five star rating, but I have to agree with Klaus that cost must be considered, as it is THE determining factor for 99.999% of the population.

Of course Klaus then compairs the AR Complete to its older brother the Integre, which costs more than twice the price (US$995 vs. US$2300). Personally, at close to US$2500 I'd be looking at separates, but to each his own.

However in the US$1-2000 range I have heard nothing that beats the Complete. While I couldn't possibly A/B every amp in this price range (couldn't find the Anthem, Bryston, Joleda, or Plinius), I did audition close to a dozen different amps.

Power was not a concern for me and, again compaired to amps in the price range, was equal to or better than the majority. And as far as "inefficient" speakers go, I think they exist only to drive up the cost of amplification equipment.

YMMV, but for the price, I haven't heard better.

After reading the impressive review by Soundstage.com, I had to check out this unit. Very sweet sounding, not the best in details or accuracy but it does leave a very pleasant impression. Mid is on the warm side, bass is about average (not tight and not overly warm), the treble is sort of laid back. Soundstage is also on the laid back side, impressive depth though. Beautifully looking unit and appeared to be quite robust based on the knobs and buttons. Price with remote is about $1000 which is not bad. Liked it more than the Sim Celeste Integrated, Creek 50 WPC Integrated and Classe 80. But not up there with Bryston or YBA. Would match up great with E-Static or ribbon speakers.

I've had the unit for close to a year and I must say this thing is solid as a rock. I have always felt that this unit sounded great but wasn't exactly sure how reliable it is. Other impressive sounding integrated units I had a brush with were the Arcam 9 and Golden Tube. The Arcam seemed to have a smoother mid but slightly too tight on the bass. I did read some unflattering reviews by fellow reviewers on the reliability of the Arcam so I skipped it. The Golden Tube integrated was one hell of a performer but the humming problem I read about on their newsgroup was discouraging (even though the dealer said I can exchange it within 30 days). Looking back, the Audio Refinement turned out to out to be a very good choice.
Sound: 4 stars
Quality/Reliability: 4 stars
Price/Value: 5 stars

There were hundreds of products at a recent hi-fi show, and this was just about only one of two which I could remember with great clarity. (The other being the absolutely awe-inducing Meridian two-box DVD player).
I've always had to maintain 2 systems to satisfy my varied musical taste (from industrial to Baroque). A Quad-based one in the bedroom for the classics, acoustics and vocals; and a Naim Nait 3/Arcam Alpha 5 CD in the living room for home cinema and pop/rock. Before listening to the AR Complete, I never thought it was possible to have my cake and eat it too with just one system.

That said, it's not exactly the best of both worlds. The Nait still kicks its ass with rock IMHO, while the Quad still does sound that much sweeter with female vocals and dainty atmospherics. But if I had to start all over, the Complete would be the first thing I'd buy.

Sweet but solid sound, with no hint of treble brashness. Might be just a wee bit too polite for techno or hardcore rock music, though.

I agree with the one of the previous reviewers, this unit is very polite. It would be very suitable for moderate volume casual listening, but not the choice to tear down the house. Definitely wrong for rock or upbeat pop music but perhaps a very nice choice for vocals and jazzs. I also noticed this unit operated without any heat, perhaps it can be left on full time like a D/A for best soundstage ??
(Another good choice in this price range is the Audio Analog Puccini Integ Amp. A bit more lush sounding than the Audio Refinement but very beautiful. too bad there's no remote though)

What can I say.It's a exeptional piece,if you are listening acoustic music.Very detailed,open,musical,relaxed sounding.I own this a few weeks,and day by day I love it much better and better.Give it a try if you are into a classical or jazz.You won't regret.I'll give it 5 for both sound and built quality.

Unbelievable sounding integrated amp for the $950 price. Liquid, warm, smooth and a large soundstage. Take the savings this unit allows you and buy a MSB LINK DAC for $350. What you'll have is surprisingly high end sound for a very moderate investment. Spend more if you have a lot of money but the return will begin to diminish.
Easy 5 stars !

Sharp looks, remote.

Closed-in sound, limited range.

I read all the jumping reviews and admit to some high expectations, but this amp really misses the mark. I listened with some mid-range Joseph Audio speakers and the Audio Refinement CD player (also disappointing) and also some very high end speakers. In both cases, the amp just sounded muddy and closed in, no warmth or musicality. The VAC Avatar is the way to go for valves if you have the money or maybe the Puccini. But I believe in this price range Marantz PM 17 and Arcam or Rotel will satisfy with most any speakers and CDP. BTW, check the Classe gear, it sounded the best to me for both details and musicality, matched with the CDP .3 and Joseph Audio speakers.

Similar Products Used:

Classe, Arcam, Rotel, Marantz, VAC Avatar