2. amps-preamps
  3. 1133756560

New tube amp for ML Prodigy CAT, VTL, ARC????

I am thinking of moving on from my ARC VT200 to another tube amp. Can anyone offer advise here? Some that I am considering are the BAT VK150, VTL 450's, CAT JL2, or maybe if I stretch a used pair of ARC Ref300's. I would love to include the Lamm ML1.1 (90 watts??) or the Nagra VPA's but am afraid they wouldn't drive my speakers very well.

Can anyone compare any of the above amps with what I am currently using to give some insight as to what might be gained with such a move? Should I just stand pat, as I think the VT200 sounds pretty darn good? Or, would there be a tremendous jump in performance? I would prefer to stay all balanced but am very limited when I add this into the mix. I like all kinds of music including loud R&R from time to time.

BTW, reliability and a company's track record are considerations.

Thanks for your help

Chris
cmo
cmo OP
471 posts
 
THe ML present a fairly even 4ohm load up until around 10K as I understand. They are rated as 89db efficient so they seem as if they would be a fairly easy load.......... However, as I understand it they present some anamoly (sorry I'm not an EE so don't fully understand) in the load to an amplifier that makes them a bit harder to drive......... It seems they prefer an amp that can deliver A LOT of current. Can someone elaborate? Anyway, I think the OTL route might not be the best choice as I am starting to find out (What about autoformers though??).

Has anyone heard or (better yet) owned the ARC VTM200's??

Thanks for all the comments

Chris
rlips
105 posts
 
I run Prodigy's with VTM200's, very good result. Previously ran them with VT100 Mk3, the VTMS have much better bass impact and extension.

Ron
denf
241 posts
 
I had a pair or Prodigys mated to a pair of ASL Hurricane amps with VERY good results. You might want to try these as a much more affordable alternative.
Dennis
klinerm
80 posts
 
I used to drive Acoustat 2+2's with VTM200's, and they did a very credible job. They do not have the solid lower bass or overall authority of the CAT's, but they are very nice amps. They do tend to be heavily influenced by cable choice.
jmpwme
106 posts
 
You might take a look at the Blue Circle Hybrid amp's, the 204 and 206. I'm using the 206 with my ML summits. Wonderful combination, especially with the Blue Circle pre-amp with the upgraded power supply. BC and ML are a good match.
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