Does the amp wattage make a big difference?

~~~~Rs1's do love the power! I presume you are to use this on the emim/emit panels. (The woofer towers must use their own amplifiers when using the servo/crossover system.) Personally 100 watts tube power per channel will play uncomfortably loud. 200 gets you there with less chance of frying the mylar from amplifier clipping. (Tubes are more forgiving than Solid State when they clip.) At up to $50 for an emit replacement and up to $200 for an emim (if you can find these), Weigh out the cost of retubing, replacing diaphragms, and the amount of listening you do. Only you can decide this. The placement of these speakers can also affect the perceived loudness of different frequencies, if it is an issue. What preamp are you using?

Just The Facts

By

More power per se is not always better. It is easier to build a great sounding 100w amp than it is to build a great sounding 200w amp. If your listening levels are stressing the VT 100, more power may improve sound. If not, the VT 100 might actually sound better than the VT 200. If possible, I would audition the VT 200, at your ususal listening levels, and see if it is indeed better. Also, consider the additonal heat of the VT 200. Living in Florida, uncomfortably warm listening rooms are a real problem. (Hehe, now there will be a string of replies calling me an undedicated wimp). The additional money you will put into the VT 200 might be better spent on your front end, cables, or even some music.

Gary

Gary

I have a pair of Kappa 9's and they are powered by a pair of Odyssey Stratos Monoblocks. High current is what makes them sing.

To take the guesswork out, may I suggest take you take a look at the Innersound Electrostatic Amp to get both watts and voltage to drive anything. He'll send it to you with a 30 day money back trial - Roger pays shipping both ways - how could you go wrong?
- aj

You could get another VT-100 and do a verticle bi-amping scheme for less money than selling your amp and getting the 200. Also you could check with Audio Research about converting the 100's to mono.