Audio Research VS110, VS115?


I am in the process of putting together a two channel system consisting of a seperate tube power amp and tube preamp. As I once owned (years ago), an Audio Research D70MKII and thought it sounded great, I am considering purchasing the company's VS110 or VS115. While I have read several great reviews on the VT100MKIII, the thought of getting shocked while biasing this amp leaves me "more than shy".
Has anyone heard the VS110, 115? How do they compare with the VT100MKIII?
From what little I have read about Audio Research's VS amps they seem to be a departure from your typical "tube warmth" sound. Is this indeed the case?

Thanks!
adrian_b

Showing 3 responses by adrian_b

Hi Daveyf and Fsonicsmith,

Thank you so very much for your useful information!

Daveyf, once putting new tubes into the D70 and having it biased, how long, on average, will the amp once again require biasing?

Thanks,

Adrian
Many kind thanks to my fellow audiophiles on Audiogon and your very helpful submissions!(6550C, Bjesien, and Daveyf)
Hi,

Once again, thank you for all the great insight you provided!

If I were to once again, purchase a D70, how difficult is it, not to mention risky, to bias this amplifier.

You see, the D70MKII I bought years ago, from a friend, had the bias performed on it just prior to me aquiring it. The friend I purchased it from told me as much. He also stated that with average use it would not need to be biased again for quite a while as the tubes were fairly new.

Long story short, I regrettably ended up selling the amp before it needed this sort of attention. This aspect of it I no doubt, found "somewhat intimidating", to say the least. This, in a large way, was probably responsible for its sale.

Please respond,

Many thanks,

Adrian