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VTL ST-85 vs. VTL ST-150 or rather EL34 vs 6550

I am curious to know the sonic differences between these two amps. Aside from the obvious that one is higher power than the other, how much different are they in terms of sonic character from one another? I ask since the 85 uses the EL34 (which seems to have a following in Tube circles) and the 150 uses the 6550, also well-respected but different. At the present time, I am using an 85 until my brand new 150 arrives tomorrow. I really like the overall nature of the 85 quite a bit, and my line of thinking in ordering a 150 was that it would provide the same sound, but with just a little more crunch. Now I am finding out that may not be the case since the output stage tubes are completely different, 85 having EL34 and 150 having 6550.

So my question is; are these two amps in any way different as far as how they present the music (not the power they have)? Or should I expect the overall house sound of VTL (which I obviously like)to show through on either amp? I don't want a harsh sound, and the EL34 seems to be quite the opposite, very nice, slow, romantic, smooth etc. Just not sure about the 6550 since I have no experience with it, and this has me worried that I won't like it on my 805s speakers, like I like the 85/EL34.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide, much appreciated.
jc51373
jc51373 OP
535 posts
 
First impressions:

Holy Sh*t what a difference from the 85. I get what you guys were saying now, so far I like it. Listening in Tetrode at the moment and the detail is quite nice..Everything sounds bigger than the 85, even the midrange, although not as lush, is still very seductive. Lets put it this way, if the 85 is Charlize Theron, the 150 is Angelina Jolie. Sexy, seductive, with a slight edge, and nice fat lips....And I personally, am melting into the crystal serenity of this amp nicely so far.

But....Time is the true test.
jdec
123 posts
 
Good to hear that. Please keep us posted.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
But but I prefer Charlize ...
jc51373 OP
535 posts
 
Pauly....I agree. ; )
jc51373 OP
535 posts
 
Evening two: Amp is sounding great, very much to my liking..I will say this though. I have this CD called Superbass which is an excellent mid-bass reference CD I use. I have to admit that this CD sounded ever so slightly better with the 85.

But, the 150 makes human voice sound incredible. Not as lush as the 85, but more forward and real. Piano also sounds incredibly good with this amp as opposed to the 85.

One thing is for sure, I can't take my eyes off it. I love the way it looks. The black shows of the glow of the tubes really well.
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