If you send the MK I to ARC for retube, you are looking at about $800.00 plus freight. Find a Mark II that has been recently retubed and call it a day.
Audio Research VT100 - MKI or MKII or MKIII?
It seems that my prior post regarding this topic has vanished. So I am posting again.
Can anyone tell me the differences between the VT100 MkI, II or III? (I know the choice of tubes makes a huge difference, but I'm asking generically about the amp itself).
Recently, a close friend loaned me his VT100 MkI, as he is not using it. Damm if this thing didn't shock me. I mean it sounds really, really good! Now for the delima.
He wants to sell it (asking $1500..all original tubes, so I assume I'll have to replace them fairly soon, but otherwise in excellant condition), but I've seen MkII's around $2000. Is the MkII a step up from the MkI? I know I can change power cords with the MkII (a feature that I like), and that it has double the power reserve of the MkI (which usually equates to better dynamics and punch in the bottom).
So, what about the MkIII? I notice it lost it's tubes on the input stage, but still uses tubes in the driver stage. Is this a step up sonically?
I'll be driving a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III, SE's in a 15x19 room with 8 ft. ceilings that are coffered.
So how 'bout it fellow A'goners? Should I spend the $1500 on the MkI (excellent condition), or should I spend a little more on a MkII or even a MkIII?
Oh, two last things. First, I'm a tonality freak, and I've heard (through the grapevine) that the MkIII is not as warm or as tube sounding as the MkI or the MkII. Is that true? Secondly, I insist on the bottom end being full and rich. The MkI fills the bill here, but could use a little more transient attack (ie, punch--maybe the MkII?).
Please give me some thoughts, as I have no way of hearing any of the other VT100's. In advance, thanks a million, and I look forward to hearing back from as many of you as possible.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all and above all HAPPY LISTENING!!
Can anyone tell me the differences between the VT100 MkI, II or III? (I know the choice of tubes makes a huge difference, but I'm asking generically about the amp itself).
Recently, a close friend loaned me his VT100 MkI, as he is not using it. Damm if this thing didn't shock me. I mean it sounds really, really good! Now for the delima.
He wants to sell it (asking $1500..all original tubes, so I assume I'll have to replace them fairly soon, but otherwise in excellant condition), but I've seen MkII's around $2000. Is the MkII a step up from the MkI? I know I can change power cords with the MkII (a feature that I like), and that it has double the power reserve of the MkI (which usually equates to better dynamics and punch in the bottom).
So, what about the MkIII? I notice it lost it's tubes on the input stage, but still uses tubes in the driver stage. Is this a step up sonically?
I'll be driving a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III, SE's in a 15x19 room with 8 ft. ceilings that are coffered.
So how 'bout it fellow A'goners? Should I spend the $1500 on the MkI (excellent condition), or should I spend a little more on a MkII or even a MkIII?
Oh, two last things. First, I'm a tonality freak, and I've heard (through the grapevine) that the MkIII is not as warm or as tube sounding as the MkI or the MkII. Is that true? Secondly, I insist on the bottom end being full and rich. The MkI fills the bill here, but could use a little more transient attack (ie, punch--maybe the MkII?).
Please give me some thoughts, as I have no way of hearing any of the other VT100's. In advance, thanks a million, and I look forward to hearing back from as many of you as possible.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all and above all HAPPY LISTENING!!
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