2. amps-preamps
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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
Post removed 
ps7256's avatar
ps7256
40 posts
 
Hi Mark,

I have had a similar problem with an Audio Note Tube Preamp I introduced into system to audition. I heard noise and with the volume cranked diminished volume compared and contrasted to the Intergrated Amp I was previously using just as a preamp sending signal to 2 250watt amplifiers, (Acurus A250 and Rotel RB1572). Noise increased when volume turned up. For me it came down to gain issue. Did not purchase the Audio Note and put in a restored vintage Superphon CD Maxx dual mono volume control and separate power supply. No noise and great volume. simple design.
mervinpearce's avatar
mervinpearce
15 posts
 
I am a SS man.  I have the Devialet 200 (and the nuPrime IDA-8 and IDA-16) and it is really the quietest amps I have owned.  The devialet has a very nice phonostage.  The Devialet is my exit amp.
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