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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
bmotorcycle
68 posts
 
I truly hate when someone asks about a certain piece of equipment, in your case an Audio Research VT100 mkII, and a response comes back, well have you considered a BAT, or a Cary, or conrad johnson, that being said, have you considered the ARC VS110. It obviously has the Audio Research sound, a little more power, much more user friendly and no fan noise. Unfortunately they are more expensive but I thought I would throw it out there. Now I will go and beat myself up for even suggesting an alternative.............Bob
mrwigglewm
60 posts
 
I loved my ARC VT100Mk2. Sound was natural and warm. Would refer you to my comments in other threads as to my experience tube rolling it. Then, I liked the Svetlana power tubes; now, I would recommend using the Russian Tung-Sol 6550s. Still have the 6DJ8s if you are interested. Had good results matching the amp with both the Mirage M3s and the Talon Khorus X M2. It may be a little power shy for the N803s. May I suggest the Von Schweikert VR-4Jrs? With the proper modifications (custom spikes, 50 lbs of weight and bi-wired) they rival much more expensive speakers like the Talons. David
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,162 posts
 
Bob, don't beat yourself up. Thanks for a suggestion, but if I try a tube amp it has to be a balanced design. I'm not a big fan of BAT equipment. But thanks again.

Wberdan, thanks for your comments. BTW, did you run the VT100MkII balanced or single-ended? And what was the assosiated equipment. thanks.

Mrwigglewm, thanks. Unfortunately, upgrading or changing speakers is not the plan, at least at this point in time. Sometime in the future, I may consider the VR4JRs. But thanks!
porziob
316 posts
 
All your other issues aside, how can you consider a tube amp if heat is a concern? You can`t change the laws of physics.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Audphile1, I don't know how much more difficult the M802's are to drive than the N803's. I've owned several sets of b&w's tho. With my M802's, I was usually thinking, TWO VT100MKII's might be the ticket.

I did re-tube my VT100 myself once, & almost electrocuted myself--I got zapped, but good (you have to bias it with the amp turned on). I think I got a quote of $500 + shipping each way to have ARC do it.

If you want a tubed power amp, & don't mind schlepping it/paying for retubing when the time comes, would a larger amp, or monos, be a possibility? Just with the larger, floor-standing b&w's, I'm thinking, 100 wpc? I dunno.

Just my 2 cents, good luck, steve
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