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Aerius i and VTL IT 85

I currently own a pair of ML Aerius i, and am driving them with an NAD 340C. I really invested in the speakers ($2500), and skimped on my integrated amp (I think it was $350 at the time), thinking I would upgrade later.

Well, later has arrived, and I went in to audition replacements for my NAD. It came down to an Ayre AX-7 integrated SS amp, or the VTL IT 85. I liked both, but the VTL honestly sounded so much more exciting to me. I really only have $2500 to spend on the amp, so I can't go any higher.

Does anyone have any experience driving ML Aerius i with relatively low power tube amps? I think the VTL is rated at 80 wpc. I have a real small apartment; only 515 square ft. total!

Thanks for any help....

Steve
sdaigneault30dd

Showing 1 response by steelhead

steelhead
318 posts
 
Steve, I drive my M-L ReQuests with a CJ premier 11a which is 70 watts per channel. It is a wonderful match within the constraints of not being able to play very loud. You have to consider what type of music you enjoy and how loud you like to listen. I feel the CJ made a substantial improvement in the "sound" over the Hafler DH500 I had and that could easily drive the ReQuests. I like the singer songwriters like Greg Brown, Anders Osborne, Elizya Gilkenstein, Rickie Lee Jones and such and the CJ does fine. I miss the dynamic range and power of solid state when I have a few and toss on the Hendrix or Tragically Hip.
For 80-90 percent of the listening I do, tubes will do it.
Now having said all that, I do plan to upgrade to premier 12's for more tube power in the future. I have a dedicated room for listening and Logans do love and need power. BUT I cannot and will not give up tubes. Happy listening!
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