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Any opinions on VTL mono-blocs MB450, etc ?

I'm currently using an ARC VT100 MkII & really like it--think it's a great amp. Based on that I'm definitely a ARC fan, but I'm also drawn to VTL products. Recently I read a rave review of the VTL MB 450 Signature mono-blocs in S'phile--& I'm wondering how these would compare to the VT100? I'm guessing they're pretty amazing. Also, does anyone have any experience with reliability, dealing with the weight, heat, etc. of these VTL MB's? I had a little VTL ST-85 for awhile; an older version, very "tubey", & noisey, but I liked it despite all that.

One thing I'm thinking is: the VTL stuff always seems like a "relative bargain"--maybe?--compared to CJ or ARC. I'd be looking for used amps & would have to have shipped.

I suppose I could get a pair of Cary V12 mono-blocs instead.....or a VT200.....however the VTL MB's always seemed like they might be "the ultimate" for me.

Rest of my system: Cary 303/200 CDP, VTL 2.5TL pre-amp, Rega P25/Benz Glider, B&W M802SIII speakers & Merlin TSM-M's (I alternate between the 2 sets of speakers; trying to bring myself to sell one pair but can't so far ).

Thanks in advance for any advice on all this!

Steve
steveaudio

Showing 2 responses by mejames

mejames
986 posts
 
you need to hear them in triode mode if you audition them its quite better sounding it has better resolution of small details example decay is resolved much more clearly echos in recordings are heard now which weren't perceptable in full power mode. The vocal's don't get any better than they are in triode mode. Truly magical presence. Bass response doesn't weaken in triode mode. If 200 watts is enough for your speakers triode mode is awesome.
mejames
986 posts
 
hello Steveaudio I was loaned premier 12 amplifiers for approximately 3 months before they simply are not in the same league as the 450 signatures especially the bass.
Audition the 450 signatures somewhere you will see.
in addition to my previous post above I have had absolutely no reliability problems with my 450's since I purchased them. They run cooler than most other tube amplifiers because of lower bias which increases tube life considerably a good idea for saving $. I actually prefer the 450's to my recently sold Wolcott presence 220 amplifiers which just sounded to thin and lacking some harmonic richness in the mid range compared to the 450 especially in triode mode.
Wolcott amplifiers have considerable heat output much warmer than the 450's
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