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Advice on purchasing classics amplifiers.Which one

I have the opportunity to purchase one of the three amplifiers:
1) Audio Reasearch VT-100 MK2 for $2145. The amplifier is about four years old and is in a 9/10 condition. It has balanced inputs. 100 watts per channel.
2) Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000 (Tubes and MOSFETS) for $1850. The amplifier was released in 1987 or 1988, which makes it 14 to 15 years old. No balanced inputs. This is about a 7 or 8 in condition, of 10. 200 watts per channel.
3) VTL 222 all tubes mono power amplifiersreleased around 1988. The asking price is $2300 and the condition is 8/10.
225 watts per channel.
I will be using them to drive the Martin Logan Monolith II.
I will purchase one of the three and therefore not really interested in anything else. Please give your honest advice as to what I should look for, age, reliability, sound, performance. Which is the best for driving electrostatics? Please do not give me the viortues of a $10,000 because I cannot afford one. My budget is $2400 for a used amplifier, Tubes amplification.
jaguar1845

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
...looks like you definitely need either sub or >=200W/ch amp even tube.

First, try to get the price down for VTLs.
Be ready for surprises using 14y.o. equipment or the dealer check-up and replacement of old aged parts is highly recommended in this case to avoid more serious troubles.
In general VTLs built like a tank and never break but to ensure yourself you shouldn't take chances.

Forget about used 15y.o. CJ that can bring too much "surprises"

Another great option you might research especially for jazz and R&B is Jole Electra VAMP integrated hybrid amplifier with MOSFET output that could even cost bellow 2k used and has extra preamp outs for bi-amplification if needed.
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