AR VT80SE compated to Ref 75SE amp discussion

@cleeds

thanks for the add’l info - for years the arc’s entry level amps were run single ended, and the reference series ran balanced... this may have changed in the case of the more recent lines

i’m happy to be corrected re the balanced differential amplifier topology as it relates to the newish vt80 se -- perhaps after the op speaks to paragon and does his detailed research he can set us all straight once and for all

there is no doubt in recent years, arc designers have gotten 'religion' in terms of making the amps more flexible and user friendly for customers - witness the auto biasing, output tube fusing, rca and xlr availability for all models... nice, glad this day has arrived (and long overdue...)  :)

@jimbones

https://audioresearch.com/product/vt80se/

no, the vt80se doesn’t have balanced topology - they just give you one set of xlr inputs for convenience if you only have a balanced source, but the circuitry is not balanced - read the description of the vt80se vs the ref 80 (ref75 replacement)

the guys at paragon will confirm

the main difference is the arc reference series is fully balanced topology whereas the vt80se is a single ended design

sonically they will be similar but i suspect the ref 75 will have more nuance and blackness of background, ultimate treble and bass extension, and potentially, soundstaging

note - i own the ref 75 but have not heard the vt80se in my own setup

paragon av in ann arbor michigan is a major arc dealer, you could call them ask for their advice, i am sure they know each piece very well, they are open and helpful