Audio Research VT 100 MK II Tube Amplifier Iconic. Excellent Condition

Description: This renowned amp is in excellent condition. I bought it used (with new tubes) on Audiogon in 2004 and used it for a year for very few hours (between 50-75) before switching to solid state to conserve electricity. The tubes are in great shape, and it's been in protected, clean, conditioned storage since then. The VT 100 MK II delivers on its reputation as one of the best tube amps ever made, with a lot of punch for a wide range of music. It's MK II upgrade significantly distinguishes this amp from the VT 100. This amp is ideal for those wishing to explore tube gear at such an affordable price, since it's so solid (It weighs 80 pounds!). Audio Research still makes quintessential tube gear, so any maintenance questions can be referred to them. I prefer a local sale to the Burlington, VT area, but can also ship if you cover shipping costs.I have the original box, but I think a new box is in order. It comes with a power cord. This amp has been widely reviewed. From a 1998 Audiophile Review: "The VT100 Mk.II is the amplifier for percussion freaks. I found myself analyzing the performance of mallet percussionists, the air around the thwacks, the manner in which the timbre of percussion changed depending on how hard the instrument was hit and where on the instrument the mallet landed. On piano recordings, it was very easy to study the pianist's technique and articulation." "The VT100 Mk.II exhibited no noticeable flaws in my system with either set of speakers, and there wasn't a single strength of the amplifier that I felt could be improved on. I'm at a loss to fathom how ARC is going to sell any VT200s once customers hear what this little 100W baby can do." "Later, in the early part of this year, I received a call from ARC about an update to the VT100 that the company felt was significant enough to designate the new version as "Mk.II." I sent my sample back for the following updates:• Replacement of the integral AC power cord with a thicker, higher-quality detachable cord. (In addition to the potential for sonic improvement, ARC felt this allowed the consumer to try some of the more esoteric AC replacement cords currently on the market.)• An internal fan (to extend tube life).• Proprietary, clear tube damping rings on the twin triode 6922 input-stage tubes (to lower the amplifier's noise floor).• Doubling of the power-supply energy storage (to 540 joules).That final upgrade has resulted in the VT100 now having the highest power-supply energy storage per watt in ARC's product line. By comparison, the highly touted VT200 (see Wes Phillips' review in the October 1998 issue) has 674 joules of energy storage. Principally as a result of this final, labor-intensive modification, the cost of the update to VT100 owners is $995, plus round-trip shipping to the factory ($595 if purchased after April 1, 1998). The retail price of the Mk.II version has also risen, by $500, to $4995." A digital owner's manual is available on the Audio Research website. Price is firm.

Price: 3000 USD

Location: Huntington, Vermont

End Time: 2024-10-04T11:02:19.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD