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
When your system is struggling for lack of power nothing will scratch that itch better than a Krell KSA amp! 
A good high current amplifier ,a 250 Pass labs is a nice choice Plinius,
Even better Vitus,Gryphon ,depending on your budget,son of Ampzilla great buy
Good luck let us know what uou do.there are many good products out there.
I owned an LS-25 and the 200w version of the amp, but also heard the VT100 with it....should have a gain boost on the preamp...should give you plenty of gain unless something is wrong?
The Job 225 amp has an input sensitivity of .75v and gain of 35db.
Problem solved?