2. amps-preamps
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Will Changing my 100 Watt Tube Amp to a 200 Watt SS Amp Solve My Problem?

Hello All,  I have a 100 watt Audio Research VT100 mk II amp, with an Audio Research LS-25 preamp.  My speakers are relatively low in sensitivity, and I find that I must turn the volume up to 3 o'clock on the preamp to get enough volume for a loud listening experience.  When I do that, I am introducing more background noise.

I would like to achieve a quieter noise floor.  I am also curious about the limits of the 100 wpc amp with the Mira Monitors.  Would an older Krell 200 watt class A amp "control" the speakers better?  If so, what are the benefits of this?  There are a few amps on this site that caught my eye, all about the same value as my amp, so I can potentially make a move with very little cost.  Is this a good idea? How much wattage increase is necessary to get a significant enough difference?  Would a jump to 150 watt solid state be sufficient?


here are the 3 amps that caught my eye:

Ayre: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-ayre-acoustics-v-5xe-amplifier-2016-02-05-amplifiers-h...

Krell: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-krell-ksa-250-2016-02-14-amplifiers-91754-monterey-par...

BAT:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-balanced-audio-technology-bat-vk-250se-bat-pak-2channe...



You can see my complete system here if you want to know more about the other components:  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/5421



Thanks!
Mark
marktomaras
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,615 posts
 
Mark, your ARC LS25 is a  selectable gain line stage. It looks like you can set the gain anywhere between 0 dB and 18 dB. What do you currently have the LS25 gain set at?
The line stage gain will not make any difference. The volume control won't affect the noise of the line section. The only thing it can affect is how much noise is present from sources, like the phono section. Its my opinion that this is where the problem lies. It might simply be noisy tubes and it could also be that the phono cartridge has output slightly too low for the phono section to work with gracefully.


marktomaras OP
544 posts
 
Do you think my Whest PS .30R is the culprit here?  I can definitely say that my PS Audio DAC does sound quieter than the analog, both driven through the ARC preamp.  I was under the impression that the Whest is quite a capable phono stage, with ample gain and balanced circuitry.  It is definitely a confusing process to determine how components play well together!
marktomaras OP
544 posts
 
Maybe I should sell all of my components and get a used Devialet!
newbee
4,751 posts
 
Does it have a quiet phono stage? Or you could buy a gun. Personally, I I had to go solid state I think I'd choose the latter! :-)
marktomaras OP
544 posts
 
Ha!  Newbie, I love the tube devotion.  I am wondering if I am a fool for considering it.
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