Integrated Amp Reviews

Audio Research VSi60 integrated amplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog Source: VPI TNT IV turntable, Immedia tonearm, Koetsu Urushi cartridge.
Digital Source: Lector CDP-7T, Creek Destiny CD players.
Preamplification: Vendetta Research SCP-2D phono stage, AudioValve Eclipse line stage.
Integrated amplifier: Creek Destiny.
Power Amplifier: Audio Research Reference 110.
Loudspeakers: Alón Circe.
Cables: Interconnect: MIT Magnum M3 & MI-350 CVTwin Terminator. Speaker: Acarian Systems Black Orpheus.
Accessories: Various by ASC, Bright Star, Simply Physics, Sound Anchor, VPI.—Robert J. Reina

COMPANY INFO
Audio Research Corporation
3900 Annapolis Lane N.
Plymouth, MN 55447-5447
(763) 577-9700
www.audioresearch.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Nightspore68's picture
Submitted by Nightspore68 on April 21, 2011 - 10:49am

My VSi60 exploded too, twice now. Once at home, then once back at the shop AFTER they had replaced the tubes and protective resistor. I also saw the floor sample VSi60 have an explosion before I bought mine. That makes four explosions, including Stereophile's review sample.
The amp sounds great, but I'll be considering solid state next time.

artofnoise's picture
Submitted by artofnoise on February 22, 2013 - 1:37am

"The amplifier exceeds that specification from the 8 ohm tap into 8 ohms, with 53Wpc available (17.25dBW) at 1% THD, though only 44W (13.4dBW) were available from the 4 ohm tap into 4 ohms at 1% THD."

13.4dBW is 22 Watts not 44W.

This amp sounds great, what a shame it is prone to self destruction :-)

John Atkinson's picture
Submitted by John Atkinson on February 22, 2013 - 5:02am

John Atkinson wrote:
artofnoise wrote:
only 44W (13.4dBW) were available from the 4 ohm tap into 4 ohms at 1% THD.

13.4dBW is 22 Watts not 44W.

My dBW ratings follow the convention established by Martin Colloms and the late Peter W. Mitchell in the 1980s: they are referred to 2.83V (1W into 8 ohms). Thus 44W into 8 ohms is is 16.4dBW, 44W into 4 ohms is 13.4dBW. An amplifier that behaves as a perfect voltage source (the ideal) thus offers the same dBW rating into all loads, an easy paradigm to grasp.

John Atkinson

Editor, Stereophile

Scandinavian classical musician's picture
Submitted by Scandinavian cl... on March 17, 2016 - 4:46pm

Sir,

Does Your measurements mean that the amplifier will not work well with my "unusual" Supra cables (Sword), and must use 8 ohm to my KEF LS50 speakers? I suppose the Supra Sword between the ARC and my NAD M51 will not be affected with any problems in technical matters?

Thank you

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