2. amps-preamps
  3. 123296-8622

Will Changing my 100 Watt Tube Amp to a 200 Watt SS Amp Solve My Problem?

Hello All,  I have a 100 watt Audio Research VT100 mk II amp, with an Audio Research LS-25 preamp.  My speakers are relatively low in sensitivity, and I find that I must turn the volume up to 3 o'clock on the preamp to get enough volume for a loud listening experience.  When I do that, I am introducing more background noise.

I would like to achieve a quieter noise floor.  I am also curious about the limits of the 100 wpc amp with the Mira Monitors.  Would an older Krell 200 watt class A amp "control" the speakers better?  If so, what are the benefits of this?  There are a few amps on this site that caught my eye, all about the same value as my amp, so I can potentially make a move with very little cost.  Is this a good idea? How much wattage increase is necessary to get a significant enough difference?  Would a jump to 150 watt solid state be sufficient?


here are the 3 amps that caught my eye:

Ayre: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-ayre-acoustics-v-5xe-amplifier-2016-02-05-amplifiers-h...

Krell: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-krell-ksa-250-2016-02-14-amplifiers-91754-monterey-par...

BAT:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-balanced-audio-technology-bat-vk-250se-bat-pak-2channe...



You can see my complete system here if you want to know more about the other components:  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/5421



Thanks!
Mark
marktomaras

Showing 1 response by rhljazz

rhljazz
1,250 posts
 

The answer is no related to your specific complaint.  The input sensitivity of your current amp is 1.9V required to drive at full power.  The Krell KSA 250 requires even more voltage at 2.3V for full output. 

One of my amps is a VAC Pa100 which only needs .775V for full output.  So, to address your complaint of needing to crank the volume control way up which may reveal the inherent noise of the preamp, you should look for an amp which requires less voltage to achieve full power.  Tube vs solid state has nothing to do with your complaint. 

However, tubes will always be happiest driving a speaker with higher impedance.  I am unaware of how your speakers perform regarding impedance.  

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