2. amps-preamps
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New tube amp for ML Prodigy CAT, VTL, ARC????

I am thinking of moving on from my ARC VT200 to another tube amp. Can anyone offer advise here? Some that I am considering are the BAT VK150, VTL 450's, CAT JL2, or maybe if I stretch a used pair of ARC Ref300's. I would love to include the Lamm ML1.1 (90 watts??) or the Nagra VPA's but am afraid they wouldn't drive my speakers very well.

Can anyone compare any of the above amps with what I am currently using to give some insight as to what might be gained with such a move? Should I just stand pat, as I think the VT200 sounds pretty darn good? Or, would there be a tremendous jump in performance? I would prefer to stay all balanced but am very limited when I add this into the mix. I like all kinds of music including loud R&R from time to time.

BTW, reliability and a company's track record are considerations.

Thanks for your help

Chris
cmo
gregm
3,395 posts
 
Unless s/thing has changed, the Prodigys are much more difficult than the new Soundlabs. So an OTL may run into unnecessary trouble driving them -- i.e. not perform at its intended best. This would be a shame as the "best" with Atma is indeed excellent.
But, I spose Atma themselves would know better than me.
bpwalsh
1,197 posts
 
John (Jafox): you tell it like it is - the JL1s will drive them very well, but the improvements in the JL2 make it preferable in most cases. Thanks for bringing your JL3 Signatures down to play on the U-1s, it was quite an experience. Would have liked to put the JL2 in, but as you know we didn't have time. Next month will be even more interesting, with the additional tweaks installed.

Chris (Cmo): you shoulda been there!

Brian
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Why not a CJ Premier Tube amp ?

(just curious)
cmo OP
471 posts
 
THe ML present a fairly even 4ohm load up until around 10K as I understand. They are rated as 89db efficient so they seem as if they would be a fairly easy load.......... However, as I understand it they present some anamoly (sorry I'm not an EE so don't fully understand) in the load to an amplifier that makes them a bit harder to drive......... It seems they prefer an amp that can deliver A LOT of current. Can someone elaborate? Anyway, I think the OTL route might not be the best choice as I am starting to find out (What about autoformers though??).

Has anyone heard or (better yet) owned the ARC VTM200's??

Thanks for all the comments

Chris
rlips
105 posts
 
I run Prodigy's with VTM200's, very good result. Previously ran them with VT100 Mk3, the VTMS have much better bass impact and extension.

Ron
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