2. amps-preamps
  3. 1107466264

Amp for ARC SP8 and Final 0.4 Electrostatics

Hi All,

I'm thinking it is time to upgrade the amp in my system. My current amplification is over 15 years old. I am running an ARC SP-8 through a Threshold S/200. I really love the SP-8 and am not intersted in replacing it yet, but I do need more power for my electrostatics.

I'd like to get a minimum of 200/side and I'd say my budget would be up to about $3g. Id prefer buying used gear in good condition because if for some reason the amp doesn't really sing for my system and tastes, I could later sell it without taking a huge bath.

So with that little bit of background, I'm looking for some recommendations. I listen mostly to vinyl. I have a preference for tubes, but that doesn't rule out SS. My SP-8 has unbalanced outputs. I've talked to one of you about your VT-200 and am concerned about paying up for an amp that may require balanced inputs to sound its best.

Thoughts, cautions, and recommendations?

Thanks,

Ken Casper
iflyfisher
5 responses Add your response
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
For what it's worth, the VT-200 (original, not MkII) can sound very good with the RCA inputs. It might cost a tad more than $3k, but it's an excellent amplifier.
iflyfisher OP
10 posts
 
Thanks Hi_hifi,

I did go ahead and get a VT200. I was a little disappointed I didn't get more of a response from the forum, but I was able to talk to several folks off line about using the unbalanced inputs. In the end, I am extremely pleased with how the VT200 sounds in my system. Running the amp single-ended was a non-issue. The electrostatics have never sounded better. I think it was the perfect upgrade.

Ken
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
That was pretty quick - you really moved out. Did you find one locally?

Glad to hear the VT200 is working out well for you. It really does make very enjoyable music. I think it may go down as one of the best values among ARC's high power amps; in fact it's kind of the amplifier sole mate to the SP-8 which is probably the best value in their preamps.

Enjoy
iflyfisher OP
10 posts
 
Hi Hi_hifi,

Actually, I had spotted a couple on Audiogon prior to putting out the posting. One of the postings on Audiogon was from a guy locally, paul99. We exchanged a bunch of emails and phone calls, and he agreed to let me take the amp home and try it with my system. I think he knew once I got it home, I wouldn't be giving it up!

I agree, the VT-200 and my SP-8 do seem to work very well together. I had been looking off and on for an amp for the last couple of years. We were just finishing up a kitchen remodel, and I worked a new amp into the budget. Figger'd if my wife can get a $5k range, I can get a new amp! Of all the amps I was remotely familiar with, a used VT-200 seemed to give me the most sound for the $$. AFter having had it for a couple of weeks now, I really think it is fantastic.

Ken
crawfojb
13 posts
 
Easy. To match the synergy of the SP8 the D90B, D115MKII, or Classic 120 or 150 monoblocks. This would be in order of price and power but not quality. Outside of ARC the PS Audio Delta 250 monoblocs are fantastic and a bargain - but not tube. ARC products seem to work better togather. No problem with a VT-200. That will give you a lot of reserve. I actually hooked a rather highly modded ARC D90B up to Carver ALIIIS and it was magical. Tubes seem to shine with planar speakers.
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