Tube Power Amp Reviews

Audio Research VT100 power amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Two-channel, tube power amplifier. Tube complement: four matched pairs 6550C output; four 6922 drive; four 6922 input. Power output: 100Wpc continuous, 20Hz–20kHz, into 8 ohms (20dBW). Power bandwidth (–3dB): 15Hz–80kHz. Frequency response at 1W: 1Hz–100kHz, –3dB. Total harmonic distortion: typically 1% at 1kHz at 100W, below 0.05% at 1W. Input sensitivity: 1.0V RMS (balanced or single-ended) for rated output. Input impedance: 200k ohms balanced, 100k ohms single-ended. Overall negative feedback: 10dB. Slew rate: 15V/µs. Risetime: 3µs. Hum and noise: <0.5mV RMS, 95dB below rated output. Power-supply energy storage: approx. 270 joules.
Dimensions: 19" W by 8.75" H by 19.5" D. Weight: 65lb net, 83lb shipping.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 06292002.
Price: $4495. Approximate number of dealers: 65.
Manufacturer: Audio Research Corp., Minnetonka, MN 55343-4424. (1997); 6655 Wedgwood Rd. N, Suite 115. Maple Grove, MN 55311. Tel: (763) 577-9700 (2021). Web: audioresearch.com.

COMPANY INFO
Audio Research Corp.
6655 Wedgwood Rd. N, Suite 115
Maple Grove, MN 55311
(763) 577-9700
audioresearch.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
rschryer's picture
Submitted by rschryer on October 13, 2021 - 11:25am

...Robert Reina's words published again.

Always a joy to read.

partain's picture
Submitted by partain on October 14, 2021 - 8:11am

I wish you wouldn't use $ amounts in the lede unless you are serious . The one I'm drawing your attention to would be the dreadful misuse of the amount $1000 . It catches the eye and then breaks the heart .

FredisDead's picture
Submitted by FredisDead on October 17, 2021 - 5:26pm

This particular review prompted a boatload of audio enthusiasts who had never dipped their toes into the world of tube amps to jump into the pool and drown. The original VT100 was not that great of an amp and to even approach the hype of this review required careful matching of preamp. Midrange was indeed a problem. Later iterations of the amp cured the problem somewhat. As the owner of several ARC amps I would offer the observation that this amp started the progression of ARC toward a solid state type of sound. Fortunately that house sound has softened just a bit as of present. Just a bit. Slam, authority, punch, and micro-detail are the calling cards, liquidity, timbre, tone, and soundstage depth are not.

tonykaz's picture
Submitted by tonykaz on October 18, 2021 - 10:56am

Geez, I've bought and sold many ARC Amps & Preamps.

I never took one in that I wanted to personally own or keep. ( probably the reason for the trading-in )

ARC was THE Giant Audiophile GOD of my Generation.

HP at Absolute Sound was the only person that didn't give High Ground to Mr. W.Z.Johnson. Every other reviewer gave endless praise to all things ARC. And Conrad Johnson, come to think of it !!!

Krell, with beautiful Gold Screws and Grey Chassis quickly became the must have gear.

Electronics were all quite good but the Transducers were variables.

I discovered Koetsu, dynamic Drivers and Magnapans move the Sound Quality needle far better than top tier electronics which are necessary and critically important.

I also discovered that a TV repair Tech. can perk-up most Amplification Systems, if they are of a mind to.

I'd purchase one of these ARC Amps if I came across it. I'd clean it up and sell it in Asia. ARC is still a GOD like Brand.

and: ARC still provides service for all these old pieces.

Tony in Venice Florida

ps. these tubes are far too pricy for the sound quality they deliver

JRT's picture
Submitted by JRT on March 14, 2023 - 7:19am

I hope that you are doing well. I have not seen you post here in a long while, so perhaps you won't see this.

So if not ARC, I am curious as to what you like in this market for very good performance and pricing?

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