2. amps-preamps
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VTL ST-85 vs. VTL ST-150 or rather EL34 vs 6550

I am curious to know the sonic differences between these two amps. Aside from the obvious that one is higher power than the other, how much different are they in terms of sonic character from one another? I ask since the 85 uses the EL34 (which seems to have a following in Tube circles) and the 150 uses the 6550, also well-respected but different. At the present time, I am using an 85 until my brand new 150 arrives tomorrow. I really like the overall nature of the 85 quite a bit, and my line of thinking in ordering a 150 was that it would provide the same sound, but with just a little more crunch. Now I am finding out that may not be the case since the output stage tubes are completely different, 85 having EL34 and 150 having 6550.

So my question is; are these two amps in any way different as far as how they present the music (not the power they have)? Or should I expect the overall house sound of VTL (which I obviously like)to show through on either amp? I don't want a harsh sound, and the EL34 seems to be quite the opposite, very nice, slow, romantic, smooth etc. Just not sure about the 6550 since I have no experience with it, and this has me worried that I won't like it on my 805s speakers, like I like the 85/EL34.

Thanks for any help anyone can provide, much appreciated.
jc51373

Showing 10 responses by jc51373

jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
First impressions:

Holy Sh*t what a difference from the 85. I get what you guys were saying now, so far I like it. Listening in Tetrode at the moment and the detail is quite nice..Everything sounds bigger than the 85, even the midrange, although not as lush, is still very seductive. Lets put it this way, if the 85 is Charlize Theron, the 150 is Angelina Jolie. Sexy, seductive, with a slight edge, and nice fat lips....And I personally, am melting into the crystal serenity of this amp nicely so far.

But....Time is the true test.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
thank for the responses guys...

DesmondJim, you bring up a good point. In regards to the bass however, I have a monitor speaker (805s) and to be totally honest I am not overly concerned about bass. The speaker can't reproduce it that well anyway. What I am interested in is the midrange splendor I got from the 85. It was delicious. It's interesting you mentioned the MB125s, I noticed they share the EL34, after I ordered the 150 of course. So if this amp leaves me longing, they will be on my target list. But lord knows I don't want to go through selling and buying again.

I picked up the amp today, sitting in my car now as type here at work. First impressions won't be accurate enough to say how I feel about it, so I will live with it for a while before I pass total judgement.

Thanks for the reassurances guys. It's nice to hear from people with actual experience with the product.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
Pauly....I agree. ; )
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
Evening two: Amp is sounding great, very much to my liking..I will say this though. I have this CD called Superbass which is an excellent mid-bass reference CD I use. I have to admit that this CD sounded ever so slightly better with the 85.

But, the 150 makes human voice sound incredible. Not as lush as the 85, but more forward and real. Piano also sounds incredibly good with this amp as opposed to the 85.

One thing is for sure, I can't take my eyes off it. I love the way it looks. The black shows of the glow of the tubes really well.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
Cyto..Yes I have, am now actually..Not really with much volume though since I am using it when my wife goes to bed.

Bea at VTL said for break in Terode was best since it runs at full power. So for the most part it has been tetrode.

I notice a difference in the two for sure. And triode is definately cool for low level listening.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
I have never heard piano sound like it does on this amp...Incredibly real.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
Cheese, you described it exactly. Piano strikes are profound and the decay of a piano (which is an important characteristic of the instrument) are recreated accurately. Guitar is also incredibly well represented, best I have heard for either instrument.

Jack-where do you live? I got lots of in home trials before committing, for extended periods too. This is important, although the flexibility seems to vary from dealer to dealer, and the piece of equipment you audition. Some have different rules than others it seems.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
I had a Rotel a few years back, same one I think. never looked back after I heard a krell amp next to the Rotel..Then I hearxd VTl and it put the krell to shame. Never been so satisfied with my audio system as I am now. Rotel and Krell are in my past, and I thank them kindly, but neither hold a candle to the VTL sound stage and overall liquid musical presentation. My sonic memory of the Rotel and both Krells were sterile.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
I just wish the dealers I visited over the years introduced me to tubes much earlier. I spent so much time looking for SS that sounded like this system that I feel like I wasted time.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
I agree..There are as many bad dealers out there as there is bad advice. I am lucky to have found the dealer I did, and their loaner policy was extremely flexible, and they were patient. Thats all one can really ask.

I personally look back and still can't believe that I once thought the buck stopped with solid state.
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