All three of the VT100 models have both RCA and Balanced connections. As I remember there is a little switch. The mk1 version has reliability problems.
The VT100 amps also difficult to bias. They also can't run KT120 tubes.
The VT series were not one of ARC's better efforts. I bought a used mk3 when I had to send my V70 in for service. I was very happy to get my V70 back. Though more detailed the VT100 mk3 sounded lifeless. I also had a mk2 in my system for a little while.
I never directly compared them, but I think the mk2 is a little better sounding amp.
If the choice is between a VT100 (any version) and a Ref 75. The Ref 75 is a much better sounding amp. All of the Ref series amps are in a different league than the VT series.
Are there any interesting amps in your for sale used in your area? If so why not ask if you can hear them. Take a look at what else their system consists of. What preamp they are using. There is no substitute for experience. Listen to every thing you can so that you get a better frame of reference. I am good friends with my ARC dealer. I will sometime bring a piece home for the weekend just to hear it.
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I am in Virginia, not Pasadena. I have checked locally but there was never an ARC dealer close. This area is mostly McIntosh because there were a couple of us selling them. The closest ARC dealer does not stock much anymore. They are more into A/V systems. I am older and my hearing is "no where near" as good as it was years ago. I mainly don't want to purchase something that I would have trouble selling, should I want to upgrade. One thing about ARC and other companies is when they do make something that people dislike the sound of the value drops and they are hard to sell, when you do want to up grade. I keep hoping a ref 110 might pop up at a decent price. If not a Ref 75 is in my future.
When you convert analog record to digital does the quality of the turntable matter? What is a good analog to digital converter?
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ALL dealers are more into A/V systems.
I have some bad news about your aging hearing -- you can still tell the difference between a $10,000 unit and one that will set you back $50,000. So don't think you are going to get off with a blissful old age listening to a boom box.
The the quality of the turntable matters, but some design criteria do not matter because you can avoid vibrations in the room and air since you are not pumping out any SPL when making the transfer to your digital library.
iFi and anything with 'dragon' in the name will be good analog to digital converters, but you can always spend more to truly capture the best rise times and decay on those snaps, pops, and crackles on your vinyl. |
I had the VT 100 (original model MKI not the MKIII), it died last year. I was a little worried that the Ref 75 would not have enough power to drive my speakers, Aerial 10T but they sound great!! The Ref 75 has a much cleaner and accurate sound in my humble opinion but the technology is 20 years newer too.
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I just finished a long session tonight with my ARC D70 mk2. If you are interested in an amp that can now be had for not huge money, and want a giant killer, imo this is the amp for you!
i have ’AB’ ed this amp against the later VT series and the classic series, it was really no contest!! The little D70mk2 just kills them!
Now , as usual there is a price to pay... the age of this amp dictates a couple of things..you will need to have the amp set up by a tech, the biasing procedure is a nightmare, plus you will need to get cables with small spades only. This due to the old fashioned speaker connectors that the amp uses. However, if you accept these issues, I believe you can acquire an amp that imo has little to no competition....even today. WZJ hit one out of the park with this amp and the highly sought after monoblocks... the M100’s. I suspect these amps were his zenith! And what a zenith they are! |
I have read and heard from you'll that the ARC LS 25 MKll is a good pre amp in the lower price range. I know the ARC Ref 2mkll and the Ref 3 are better. They seem to never show up for sale. Why not consider the LS 26 and LS 27 over the LS 25? Just some opinions.
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When hooking a DAC to my computer I can use USB and I also see an optical connection near my speaker jack. Which is better to use to get the siginal to the DAC?
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They don't show up as often because they are keepers. But if you take your time and search, you can find one. I have not seriously listened to the LS26. IMO the LS27 is not one of ARC's better efforts.
I see a couple of Ref 5se preamps going for $7000 here on Audiogon. That is a deal at almost half price. The Ref 5se is so very much better than the LS27 it is amazing. It is very special and another one that will be a keeper. There are a lot around because people are upgrading to the Ref 6. But I believe they may also become hard to find.
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I have missed 2 Ref 3 over the last week. I am going to make an offer on an ARC 5SE and hope I get it. I have also been looking at the ARC 75 and 75SE. Is the SE worth the difference in money? I ordered a VPI turntable and was wondering what phono preamps would be good with probably an Ortofon MC (open to suggestions). I have always like to sound of the Ortofon and I liked a Denon 103D years ago. I have looked at the ARC phono 5 and 7, PS Audio Nuwave, and others but would like some seggestions on phono preamps?
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You don't need a DAC. LIsten to your phono and enjoy your AR. The suggestions on these posts will confuse the most sane among us. Just get what you like. I would make sure that what you buy is in good playing condition...then forget about everything, sit down (maybe with a glass of pino noire) and enjoy.
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I hope you get the Ref 5se. You will feel no need to upgrade for a very long time. It is truly world class. While the speakers are the voice of your system, the preamp is the heart. It has more of an effect on the sound than the amp.
With an MC cart I would go with a PH7 or PH8. I don't think the PH5 is a good match for a MC cart. Especially if you decide to go with a low output MC. Right now I a have a Fosgate Signature phono stage and I really like it. It is highly adjustable for all types of cartridges.
I would go with USB output to a DAC as opposed to optical.
Let us know what happens.
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lostbears I hope you get the Ref 5se.
You will feel no need to upgrade for a very long time. It is truly world
class. While the speakers are the voice of your system, the preamp is
the heart. It has more of an effect on the sound than the amp. I agree completely. The ARC Ref5SE is absolutely extraordinary. |
Update, I purchased an ARC Ref 5SE and a Ref 75 amp. It has to come from one coast to the other and hopefully it will arrive in tact. I will probably upgrade the B&W's to a larger model speakers and may have to get a larger amp or get another Ref 75 and bi-amp. Thanks everyone for the help. I have to turn my attention to a phono preamp and there are so many out there hopefully I will make a good choice. Suggestions welcome in that area. I will also need a DAC at some point. I keep looking at the ARC DAC8 but I have a lot to learn in that area.
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Congratulations! I think you will find the combination just superb. |
