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New Vandersteen oil cooled hybrid amplifiers

Heard Vandersteen liquid cooled amplifiers over the weekend. Richard Vandersteen introduced them himself at NY Audio Show. The Amps have built in oil pumps that pump oil around a solid copper block that the transistors are bolted to. The oil is then recirculated across large external heatsinks that transfer heat out into the room. The transistors are said to stay within +- 2% of optimal operating temperature range. 6H30 tube driving solid state output. Interesting design if not overkill at the low power levels being achieved. Anyone else see or hear these amps? Thoughts or feedback appreciated.
wwchange
wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 
My 2012 Triumph Bonneville T100 is air cooled except for the oil cooling radiator...so it's oil cooled seemingly (a good idea), and Richard Vandersteen yelled at me on the phone 20 years ago...something about my requesting driver updates on my 1Bs that I sent for new covers...I think I deserved it.
the_rook
7 posts
 
oil is certain to be an electrical insulator. water based coolants always have the risk of becoming electrically conductive.
dminches
38 posts
 
Was Audio Research involved in the design? They are one of the few, if only, companies to us 6H30s. They are new tubes but hard to find and there are few tube rolling options.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,730 posts
 
I cannot believe this rubbish. When I think about Vandersteen, I think about speakers only! Same thing can be said about Bryston building speakers? Anyone else feel this way? Happy Listening.
no_money
638 posts
 
52k a pair, and they basically will only work with 5a or model 7.

http://www.theaudiobeat.com/ces2014/ces2014_vandersteen.htm
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