VTL MB-450 with Maggies


I would like to ask if anyone has compared the VTL MB-450 with a comparable ARC amp on Magnepans (3.6/R´s)?
I hear that VTL is releasing new series II versions of the MB-450 with the new "smart-tube" technology.
hasse

Showing 1 response by rushton

Hasse, it doesn't look like you're getting an overwhelming number of replies to your specific question. I can't address the two amps you specifically mention, but I can expand your field of consideration if you're not completely set on one or the other of these amps. Maybe this will jump start some comments from others who've heard the amps you're asking about.

The best sound I've heard from Magneplanar 3.6 speakers has been with the Wolcott P220 amps, with a further improvement when matched to the much more expensive Atma-Sphere MA-2 MkIII OTL amps. Both of these tube amps deliver 220 watts and both were able to drive the Maggies to a higher output than I'm comfortable ever listening to in Slipknot1's 24x16x9' listening room. (Slipknot has since changed speakers after his 20 year devotion to Maggies.) On the Maggies, deep bass was fully present with both amps, with the Atma-Spheres having somewhat greater extension and definition. There was never an issue of not having enough power to fully drive the Maggies, and the dynamics, resolution, timbre and overall natural presentation of the music was better than I've ever heard on the 3.6s.
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