2. amps-preamps
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VTL MB300 Delux modded vs MB450's

So here's my issues.

I have a friend that is willing to sell me his MB450's that have the signature transformers, etc and all that jazz for about 600 bucks more than what I could get for my MB300 deluxes.

My amps had all the mods done, sig transformers, B+ fuse, etc and the only thing needing replacement would be the binding post as they could be a bit better.

I'm not really sure if its worth the upgrade to the MB450's as from what I know there wasn't much of a change.

I'm going to be buying his SoundLab M3 speakers from him as well and this is what they would be running.

I do have a BAT VK31 which is a fully balanced pre. The biggest thing is my amps are not fully balanced but I do think the 450's are. Do you guys think it would be worth the 600 bucks to upgrade or what are you impressions? The 450's are newer than my 300's but I'm still torn if I would even want to sell the 300's as I really do love them and could probably put them in a 2nd system.
bighead63

Showing 1 response by ncarv

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ncarv
983 posts
 
After I had the VTL Deluxe 225's, I got the VTL Deluxe 500's and, then, the MB450's to compare. I decided I liked the 500's and sold the 450's. After a while, I saw a killer deal on a pair of 450 signatures with MIT caps, got the bug, and bought them. After a few months, I sold the 450's again.

This is not necessarily a matter of better, but different. The only way to know is to compare them in your system. If it is a friend, he ought to let you try them out. Intially, the 450's wowed me, but I kept coming back to the 500's, so do some extended listening.

The 450's have greater resolution, tighter sound. IMHO, the Deluxe amps have more of the tube magic I like. Some would say that is distortion. So be it. Certainly, there is the power difference, as well.

This is a matter of personal preference and only you can decide after hearing both.
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