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Please give me advice about an ARC VT 200 amp

In a few days I'll be the owner of an ARC VT 200.  I've never owned a tube amp, much less one of this size.  I'm reluctant to plug in this amp for fear that there may be some considerations that I'm overlooking.  I haven't found much info about the operation but I did read that a variac should be used to bring the voltage up, and that a shorting pin needs to be installed in the balanced inputs if the single ended inputs are used.  I've never heard of either a variac or shorting pin, and I'm wondering if you could please give me your thoughts about these items, as well as anything else that I should take into consideration before plugging it in, and during use.  

I will be using the single ended inputs.  The amp has not been turned on for 3 years.  I was told that the owner was fastidious about the maintenance of the electronics and the tubes.  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks
irish_tim

Showing 7 responses by noromance

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
Thanks Ralph. Apologies for laboring the issue. 
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
Yes. So pass me the 700watt bulb! #variac

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
Thanks @atmasphere . As the VT200 pulls 500w at rest, what wattage bulb would you use? I use a DMM to monitor current when using the variac.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
@atmasphere I did read it all the way through. And with increasing incredulity with each sentence! However, I'll defer to your experience. I always play by the book when working on tube amps.
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
@atmasphere I am surprised you dismissed using a variac especially with an expensive amp full of electrolytics not used for 3 years. Also surprised about not loading the outputs. If anything was to go wrong, it is good practice to protect the amp. Maybe you can get away with winging it in the lab but isn't it better to give an unwary first time monster tube amp the safest instruction?

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
One other thing; these things will kill you if you mess around inside. 

noromance's avatar
noromance
10,158 posts
 
Plug it in and run. Kidding. There is a toggle switch on the back to switch between SE and Balanced.
You may need to hook up a pair of cheap test speakers as tube amps generally require a load when powered up.
Buy a variac and use it to apply power over a period of 24 hours slowly increasing the voltage over the period of time. This will help reform the electrolytic capacitors. Get hold of the manual as you'll need to bias the tubes for correct operation.
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