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Suggestions please!! --Need to replace vintage Audio Research VT 200 Tube Power Amp

I have a nearly 25 year old ARC VT200 amp, which just arc'd out on me for the 3rd time in 18 months, and I have decided I cannot sink any more money or aggravation into this amp. I purchased it used about 7 years ago, and it had just been re-tubed, and it ran problem free for me for over 5 years. Then without warning it arc'd out, resulting in a replacement of all tubes, capacitors, etc.  10 months later, the same thing happened again.  I nearly bailed on it then, but the repair shop assured me that they could "really fix it" this time, blaming the repeat issue on the need to replace all of the tube sockets and repair some thinning wiring, and they assured me it would be "like new" and should run problem free for years to come.  It's been 9 months, and it's been running fine with relatively light use (probably 300 hours since the repair) and last night the fireworks happened again. Needless to say, I've now reached the end of the road with this amp. 
So my questions are these--as much as I loved the amp (when it was working!) a comparable new ARC tube amp (which appears to be in the $15k+ range) is out of my price range. The VT 200 is currently paired with an ARC Reference 2 preamp and a tube ARC phono stage from the same era, which are working fine, and they are driving a massive pair of ProAc Response Four speakers. I listen almost exclusively to vinyl on a VPI turntable. Does anyone have a suggestion for a new power amp for under $10K (after this experience I am reluctant to go the used route)? Also, would it be OK to pair a solid state amp with these tube components, and if so, any recommendations?  Thanks!!
karmicg

Showing 1 response by gpgr4blu

gpgr4blu
1,096 posts
 
I have owned a Ref 110 and Ref 150. I then placed KT-150s in my Ref 150 which brought it very close to the performance of the Ref 150SE.
The Ref 110 drove Watt Puppy7s and then Sashas. The Ref150 drove Sashas and then Alexia 2s. I test listened in my home Ref 250 monos v the Ref 150 with the Sashas and there was hardly a difference in the power department--virtually unnoticeable to me.
 I now own the Ref 160 monos with Alexia 2s. My take is that the Ref 150 has more than enough power (check out the big power supply) to drive ProAc Response 4s. Although the Ref 160 monos are the best ARC amps I have ever heard, you pay a lot for the extra clarity, power and imaging. Maybe an overall 12-13 percent difference over the Ref 150 with KT150s. IMHO, the Ref 150 with KT150s or the Ref 150SE are the best bang for the buck by far in the ARC line and indeed I cannot say enough about what a blazing bargain they are in the larger amplifier market.
Get a Ref 150 or Ref 150SE. DO NOT get a Ref 110. The difference between the Ref 110 and Ref 150 were substantial. The Ref 150 sounded more powerful and made the Ref 110 sound wispy in comparison. Hope this helps.
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