2. amps-preamps
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ARC 100.2 Enough power for Proac 3.8

I am looking for a power amp with plenty of grunt to drive a pair of Proac 3.8's.
Currently they are being driven with an Ayre V-5x which has been kindly lent to me by a friend. It sounds gorgeous by the way, but could use a bit more "slam" in the bottom end. It's damn close to perfect though.
The catch is that I can't afford one of those beasts and have read good things about the 100.2 from ARC. Could this be the beast I am looking for or do I need more power. The Ayre is 150watts and the ARC is 100watts but apparently belies it's output rating. A VT100mkII is also tempting but I'm not so sure about the tube approach.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
alun
smotyka
62 posts
 
Alun,

I'm currently am using a pair of 3.8's with a VT130se, which is close to a VT100 and it has all the dynamics that I could want. I haven't heard the 100.2.

Steve
alun OP
181 posts
 
I have heard an Aloia for a short period of time driving B&W 801's. I couldn't get over how much power they presented. I wonder if this could be an option, any ideas on this combo.
Thanks
rlf
45 posts
 
I ran a pair of ProAc 3.8s with the VT-100 MKII for 5 years. A great combination which makes wonderful sound. More than enough power too. At one time I did try a 100.2 but found it very uninvolving and sterile compared to the VT-100 with the 3.8. I would go with an ARC tubed amp like the VT100 with the ProAc.
edesilva
768 posts
 
I'm running a pair of ProAc RS2s with a pair of ARC D250 Mk IIs (each bridged to mono) in my study and a pair of 3.8s off a pair of horizontally bi-amped ARC VT 100 Mk IIIs in my main rig. I was also using an ARC D400 Mk II with the 2s downstairs for a while, but the 400 went upstairs to the pool room to power another system. While I prefer the 400 over the 2x240s, I'm just not gonna carry that gazillion pound monster back down four flights of stairs.

Oh, I would def. recommend the tubes for your 3.8s. I've tried the 3.8s with both ARC solid state set ups and the VT 100s and the VT100s are the hands down winners... Much more musical.
alun OP
181 posts
 
Edesilva, looks like you have lots of ARC/Proac experience :-), and you have touched upon a subject that has interested me. You mention that you also use the D250MKII amps. I know of a local friend with one for sale and a monster it is. I am a little leary of having to retube this creature (16 tubes!!!!) I didn't know they could be mono blocked yowza!!! Do you prefer these amps to the VT100's? It would cost me around the same amount for the D250MKII or the VT100MKII, is there something special to note about either? As I am still into solid state and the D400mkII is still of interest, can it be mono blocked as well?
Thank you all for your replies as it is a great help in designing a top notch system in my budget range.
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