2. amps-preamps
  3. 1133756560

New tube amp for ML Prodigy CAT, VTL, ARC????

I am thinking of moving on from my ARC VT200 to another tube amp. Can anyone offer advise here? Some that I am considering are the BAT VK150, VTL 450's, CAT JL2, or maybe if I stretch a used pair of ARC Ref300's. I would love to include the Lamm ML1.1 (90 watts??) or the Nagra VPA's but am afraid they wouldn't drive my speakers very well.

Can anyone compare any of the above amps with what I am currently using to give some insight as to what might be gained with such a move? Should I just stand pat, as I think the VT200 sounds pretty darn good? Or, would there be a tremendous jump in performance? I would prefer to stay all balanced but am very limited when I add this into the mix. I like all kinds of music including loud R&R from time to time.

BTW, reliability and a company's track record are considerations.

Thanks for your help

Chris
cmo

Showing 3 responses by cmo

cmo OP
471 posts
 
Gerry,

Thanks for the input. For some reason VAC amps are not really on my radar. I don't know much about them or thier "house" sound. Do you have any idea on how they might compare to my ARC? They are relative bargains compared to some of the other offerings though. To answer your question.......... I have tons of bass from my Prodigy's and had to buy some bass traps to tame it down a little. I think my speakers are probably a bit too big for my room but they sure sound good.
cmo OP
471 posts
 
Jafox,

Have you heard the older CAT JL1 mono's (esp. the signature version)? Ken Stevens has reportedly said the newer models are better but those were supposedly incredible. What are the differences.

Does anyone know if the Atma-sphere MA-1 MKII.3 OTL's would drive these speakers?

Jjwa,
I would love to go the route of Nagra but am afraid they wouldn't drive the Prodigy's with only 50 watts.

Thanks for the comments so far

Chris
cmo OP
471 posts
 
THe ML present a fairly even 4ohm load up until around 10K as I understand. They are rated as 89db efficient so they seem as if they would be a fairly easy load.......... However, as I understand it they present some anamoly (sorry I'm not an EE so don't fully understand) in the load to an amplifier that makes them a bit harder to drive......... It seems they prefer an amp that can deliver A LOT of current. Can someone elaborate? Anyway, I think the OTL route might not be the best choice as I am starting to find out (What about autoformers though??).

Has anyone heard or (better yet) owned the ARC VTM200's??

Thanks for all the comments

Chris
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