2. amps-preamps
  3. 1182206296

VTL ST-85 vs. VTL ST-150 or rather EL34 vs 6550

I am curious to know the sonic differences between these two amps. Aside from the obvious that one is higher power than the other, how much different are they in terms of sonic character from one another? I ask since the 85 uses the EL34 (which seems to have a following in Tube circles) and the 150 uses the 6550, also well-respected but different. At the present time, I am using an 85 until my brand new 150 arrives tomorrow. I really like the overall nature of the 85 quite a bit, and my line of thinking in ordering a 150 was that it would provide the same sound, but with just a little more crunch. Now I am finding out that may not be the case since the output stage tubes are completely different, 85 having EL34 and 150 having 6550.

So my question is; are these two amps in any way different as far as how they present the music (not the power they have)? Or should I expect the overall house sound of VTL (which I obviously like)to show through on either amp? I don't want a harsh sound, and the EL34 seems to be quite the opposite, very nice, slow, romantic, smooth etc. Just not sure about the 6550 since I have no experience with it, and this has me worried that I won't like it on my 805s speakers, like I like the 85/EL34.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide, much appreciated.
jc51373
jc51373 OP
528 posts
 
Cheese, you described it exactly. Piano strikes are profound and the decay of a piano (which is an important characteristic of the instrument) are recreated accurately. Guitar is also incredibly well represented, best I have heard for either instrument.

Jack-where do you live? I got lots of in home trials before committing, for extended periods too. This is important, although the flexibility seems to vary from dealer to dealer, and the piece of equipment you audition. Some have different rules than others it seems.
cheesehead
16 posts
 
Jack,
with the speaks I have used it is a Rotel RB-1080.
jc51373 OP
528 posts
 
I had a Rotel a few years back, same one I think. never looked back after I heard a krell amp next to the Rotel..Then I hearxd VTl and it put the krell to shame. Never been so satisfied with my audio system as I am now. Rotel and Krell are in my past, and I thank them kindly, but neither hold a candle to the VTL sound stage and overall liquid musical presentation. My sonic memory of the Rotel and both Krells were sterile.
cheesehead
16 posts
 
Ah yes Jc,
I attribute the "sterile" or "digital" to tubes vs ss.
Even the whimpy little ASL AV 20's I first tried enlightened me to the possibilities of tubes. The VTL's are music makers with authority. I never would have believed tubes (transformers) could provide the deep bottom end that these things do.
jc51373 OP
528 posts
 
I just wish the dealers I visited over the years introduced me to tubes much earlier. I spent so much time looking for SS that sounded like this system that I feel like I wasted time.
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