2. amps-preamps
  3. 1351092823

ARC VM 220 WITH VANDERSTEEN WOOD QUATRO

I am looking for a little guidance, The pre is ARC LS 25mk2 and the amp is ARC VM-220 mono's hook-up to a set of Wood Quatro's. When i turn up the volume past half way, I seam to be losing the warmth of the tubes, Its sounds alittle (forced, less detailed) not sure how to explain it, just different. I biased the tubes all at 65. was wondering if i need to switch to Tung-sol KT120 tubes or go with a different set of speakers, higher in sensitivity, or is this headed in the wrong direction.thanks
sjwholesale
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Sometimes when you drive a system too hard...it becomes brittle. Distortion, dynamics being ltd. Yes, you might try KT120s...but i would be most curious as to what would happen if you changed amps to a bigger ARC mono.
bjesien
1,274 posts
 
I always wanted to like ARC but never could. Always a little metallic or thin to my ears. It might be interesting to try something like a Luxman 590AII before dumping the speakers. Not a huge investment for you and it would be a big change.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Just a suggestion -- Call John Rutan at Audio Connection in Verona NJ. He is an authorized dealer for both Vandies and ARC and knows his gear. He might be able to help.
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
How many hours are on your output tubes????
sjwholesale OP
9 posts
 
Thanks, to all I personal dont think i'm pushing it that hard before sound changes. Right about half way, What would be the next step, I want mono's, but not for sure if tubes can handle it when turned up, Is there a good SS amp that has the warmth of tubes. Before i bought the Vandy's i listen to them at Audio Connection, thats what sold me on them, But they were powered by a nice set of Quicksilver v4, the only reason i switched to ARC is i thought the added power would help, and everybody i talked too loved the sound of ARC with Vandy's. I have about 150 hours on the tubes. I heard the Ref's 210 were very close in sound quality, and the Ref's 250 are out of my price range right now. Any suggestion would be great thanks
More to discover