2. amps-preamps
  3. 123296-8622

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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,083 posts
 
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.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
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?
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
The Job 225 amp has an input sensitivity of .75v and gain of 35db.
Problem solved?
Post removed 
ps7256's avatar
ps7256
40 posts
 
Hi Mark,

I have had a similar problem with an Audio Note Tube Preamp I introduced into system to audition. I heard noise and with the volume cranked diminished volume compared and contrasted to the Intergrated Amp I was previously using just as a preamp sending signal to 2 250watt amplifiers, (Acurus A250 and Rotel RB1572). Noise increased when volume turned up. For me it came down to gain issue. Did not purchase the Audio Note and put in a restored vintage Superphon CD Maxx dual mono volume control and separate power supply. No noise and great volume. simple design.
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