Manley Snapper or VTL ST 150

The ST 150 is very good in triode mode, but I didn't think it drove the Vandersteen 3a's very well (which are not very efficient...I think they're in the 87dB range or so) except in pentode mode, which I didn't like much. My impression was that there was too much slam in pentode, and a loss of delicacy and some detail...but that's hardly a surprise. Also thought that the VTL was a little dry in the upper mids...massed strings were sometimes not presented in a luxurious fashion. I got a 2nd hand ARC VT100 MKIII and was happier.

I don't see how anyone could that strings were, in any way, inaccurately represented by VTL. Maybe it wasn't the VTL you were hearing, because this is a strong-suit for VTL.

I personally have listened to the st-150 and the st-85, in home for extended periods, and the one characteristic that stood out to me most was string instruments, and mid-range to upper mid-range. So my experience was quite the opposite on different speakers of course-805s and Wilson Benesch ARCs . Both of these monitors sound simply incredible with both of these amps behind them.

In fact, these amps sound much better than the previous $10K SS amp I had in my system prior to them.

Jc51373, are you running the ST85 in triode or ultralinear?

thank you.

Jov

Jdec, I am actually running it in tetrode since everytime I use triod it blows a fuse in the right channel of the amp. I suppose it needs a new tube or something, but since it is a dealer demo I don't care. It sounds awesome in tetrode and I am told better in triode?

I use an ST-150 with Vienna Acoustics Beethovens and I concur with Jc1373 on its sound characteristics. The mid range and upper end are exquisite. The bass is a little flabby in my systems but the Vienna's woofers fall just outside the recommended range on VTL's web page System Matching section. They suggest using the ST-150 with woofers no bigger than 8" or 2 6". I use the ST-150 almost exclusively in tetrode mode as I listen to mostly rock and electric blues. Triode sounds magical with small string ensembles or solo acoustic material but doesn't have the drive I want for rock or full orchestral works.

Cheers,
Jim