2. amps-preamps
  3. 186799-185607

ARC VSi75SE v. MF Nu-Vista 800

I have an offer to purchase either an Audio Research VSi75SE or a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 800 at roughly the same price, new-in-box.  But there's no way for me to audition either in-person beforehand.  Does anybody have an opinion, based on first-hand experience, comparing the two components' sound quality?

These integrateds would be powering a pair of Harbeth C7-ES3 speakers with a MartinLogan sub.  They'll also do double-duty powering the front channels of a home theater, and will be connected to non-TV digital sources by a DAC/streamer, maybe a HiFi Rose.

Functionality issues make either candidate a compromise.  E.g., the ARC has no HT bypass, headphone jack, or sub out, and family members will give me grief about tube warm-up when they just want to watch TV.  And the Harbeths, despite a nominal 25wpc spec, would definitely benefit from the Nu-Vista's 300wpc.  OTOH, the MF has all the connectivity I need, but it's big and heavy, which will present problems in my room (and to my elderly back).

I'll work all that out, one way or the other, but rght now, my threshold issue is sonics.  I realize that both companies have distinct "house sounds" so I'd love to hear from anyone with first-hand experience comparing the two.

Thanks.

cundare2
cundare2 OP
237 posts
 
ghdprentice, I have a related question.

 

I see that the recent Stereophile review of the entry-level I/50 integrated notes that "When power tubes or the tube set are replaced, the I/50 must be biased by a trained technician to ensure proper operating values."  Holy cow, does this sound right to you?

Given that the likelihood of finding an appropriately trained technician is pretty low out here, does that mean that I'd have to ship my ARC integrated to the factory every time I need to replace a tube?

FWIW, I have a degree in Physics and decades of experience working with electronics, so it's hard to believe that something as simple as biasing vacuum tubes can't be done by an experienced user with a voltmeter.

 

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,155 posts
 

Get the MF NuVista!  Why?  Because it's fits into your setup best.  Will it sound just like the ARC?  No, but so what.  It will sound great anyway.  If these are really you're only choices, then don't overthink this.

Now to overthink it, I would worry about having that much power being fed to the Harbeths, especially with other family members using them in the HT setup.

ghdprentice
6,577 posts
 

@cundare2 

 

Wow, that does not sound right.. but I can’t refute it with any knowledge. I’ll do a little research. I’d like to know. But it sure does not sound right.

jetter
2,980 posts
 

This is from the manual.  But one has to wonder if they are afraid a person new to audio and tubes will shock themselves or if the unit is just unfriendly for anyone, even with experience, to bias.

MAINTENANCE

Vacuum Tubes It is recommended that you replace the vacuum tubes of your I/50 in sets. All of the tubes in your amplifier have been matched to have similar operating characteristics, to provide the best sound quality and reliability. 6550WE tubes should be replaced at approximately 2000 hours. 6922 tubes should be replaced before 4000 hours. Upon replacing a power tube or tube set, the I/50 must be biased by a trained technician to ensure proper operating values.

cundare2 OP
237 posts
 

I contacted ARC directly and, as usual, it shot back an immediate response: The company does not recommend users biasing their own tubes but does so for general safety reasons.  The rep emailed me a 16-page illustration of the procedure.   It looks way more complicated than it needs to be -- even the Dynaco ST-70 was mroe user-friendly in this regard -- but it's nothng I can't handle.

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