2. amps-preamps
  3. 1159138051

ARC VT100MkII

I'd appreciate if any of the VT100MkII owners can share their thoughts about this amp.

I am considering this amplifier.
It will be run via balanced cables with the rest of my ARC components - LS-25MkI preamp and CD3MkII cd player.

Cabling is Acoustic Zen Silver RefII from CD3MkII to LS-25 and Matrix RefII from LS-25 to amp. Speaker cables are Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun.

Questions I have about the VT100MkII amp:
1) What is its sonic signature? Is it relaxed, laid back, forward?

2) How hot does this amplifier get?

3) How audible is the fan noise from about 7-8 feet away at low volume listening?

4) Will it manage to drive my B&W N803 speakers?

5)Any issues such as reliability aside from re-tubing?

I listen mostly to rock, blues, jazz and some classical. I like natural, dynamic presentation, but not harsh, analytical or forward sounding. Imaging and soundstaging is important. Good bass is a MUST.

I have listened to this amplifier before and the only think I remember is that I really liked it but it was long time ago and it was driving speakers that are easier on amplifiers than my N803s are.

Thanks very much for your thoughts!
128x128audphile1
steveaudio
331 posts
 
I owned a VT100MkII for a few years, & used it with my b&w M802 SIII speakers. The VT100MkII is a great amp, but I found it didn't have quite enough power to make the 802's sound their best. Weak or muddled bass was one problem. I finally sold it, & bought a C-J MF2500A SS amp that really brought the 802's to life.

I think with the more hard-to-drive b&w's, tubed amps are not the way to go. Unless you could afford something like a VT200 maybe (?), or the larger VTL monos, but, there are a lot of nice SS amps available for a lot less $$.

Oh, I used the VT100MkII with Merlin speakers also; that was a nice combination.
bmotorcycle
68 posts
 
The "sonic signature" can be perceived quite differently for each person, I found the ARC amps to be natural.

The amp can radiate a lot of heat, they don't feel hot to the touch because of the fans, but, the can/will warm up a small to midsize room.

The fan noise is not an issue, you won't hear the fans after a couple of feet distance.

Not familiar with your speakers so to tell you sure, buy the amp and than they not work would be irresponsible.

ARC equipment is one of the reliable and durable amp/pre-amps one can buy. They will service every piece they have ever made and most are still in service. Retubing on the VT100MKII should be done by a certified ARC tech. This amp is not user friendly. Enclosed is an attachment that explains how to do it. You will have to decide whether you want to tackle this job.

http://mycollins.net/audio/artube1.html

I have used ARC equipment for years and I have become quite found of their products...........Bob
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,319 posts
 
Thanks Steve. I have a nice SS amp. I just want to try a tube amp and see how I like it vs SS.
I would assume that the Matrix 802 are a more difficult load for an amp than my N803. But even the N803 are not easy to drive.

Thanks Bob for that link. Going by what's involved, I think I'd opt for a tech to do this. I have an authorized ARC technician nearby, so this shouldn't be a problem, I mean as far as shipping the amp, I don't have to do it.

I guess this may be trial and error kind of deal. But please keep the suggestions coming. If anyone has experience with this amp and my speakers, or anything esle in the Nautilus line with this amp, it would be great to know what the combo sounded like.
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