2. amps-preamps
  3. 1159138051

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

Showing 7 responses by audphile1

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audphile1 OP
4,159 posts
 
thanks Chris!
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audphile1 OP
4,159 posts
 
Gmorris, thanks for your comments.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,159 posts
 
Thanks Steve. I have a nice SS amp. I just want to try a tube amp and see how I like it vs SS.
I would assume that the Matrix 802 are a more difficult load for an amp than my N803. But even the N803 are not easy to drive.

Thanks Bob for that link. Going by what's involved, I think I'd opt for a tech to do this. I have an authorized ARC technician nearby, so this shouldn't be a problem, I mean as far as shipping the amp, I don't have to do it.

I guess this may be trial and error kind of deal. But please keep the suggestions coming. If anyone has experience with this amp and my speakers, or anything esle in the Nautilus line with this amp, it would be great to know what the combo sounded like.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,159 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!
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,159 posts
 
Steve, well that's my biggest concern. The power of VT100MkII may not be enough for the B&Ws. Although I had a 100w/ch SS amp(McCormack DNA-0.5 Deluxe) it sounded quiet good, but the bass was always a bit boxy sounding. The woofers on the Nautilus are pretty tough. When I went from DNA-0.5 to DNA-125 I noticed a very slight improvement in bass and it became clear to me that more power is needed. So I stepped up to DNA-225. I do really like this amp. It is a very good sounding piece, but I figured, I would like to try tubes. The rest of my gear is all ARC, so the natural match in tube amps(out of the ones I can afford) is the VT100MkII. I wish I could try it first, but the probability of that is close to zero. I'd love to get VTM200 but they are very big and at this point out of my price range.

Porziob, heat is a small concern only, but as long as the amp does what I want/expect it to do, I could care less.

thanks
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,159 posts
 
Woodburger, thanks for your comments. What are Nuforce 9s? Digital?
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,159 posts
 
Interesting. So it is better than the VT100MkII?
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