Audio Research VT80 Stereo Tube Amp Black 57.9 hrs on KT150 SE-spec tubes
- Condition: Used
- Price: 3426.37 EUR
- Status: unsold
- Item number: 256434774842
- Bids: 0
- Seller: djcwardog (1850|100.0%)
- Seller information: non commercial
- Item location: Hardyville, Kentucky
- Ships to: US
- Shipping: EUR
- on EBAY
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Description
Here’s a nice Audio Research Foundation Series VT80 amp, originally in silver, now in black. I also have what I believe are some original silver trim pieces. If you want those, I will see if i can safely pack them in the original carton with the amp or you can just pay me the extra shipping cost to send a second and smaller box your way. When I got this unit I got in touch with ARC and I ordered the optional tube cage for it along with a new “Certified Matched” tube set featuring the SE-spec KT150 tubes. In the two years since, I’ve put just 57.9 Hours on that factory tube set. As you may know, the early units were sold as VT80 with KT120 tubes (as this one probably was). Soon after launch, they went to the larger KT150 tubes and with that change alone, these units became VT80SE tube amps. There was no other difference between VT80 or VT80SE. The SE came by virtue of a simple tube change alone. Here’s how the manufacturer explains it, better than I can: https://audioresearch.com/product/vt80se/______________________________________The big change from the VT80 to the new VT80SE is upgrading the KT120 tubes to the higher performance KT150 output tubes. Everyone should know that we have been deeply enamored with the KT150 as we feature it in all of our other amplifiers, from the VSi75 to the REF 750SE. Its performance is unparalleled and its 3,000 hour average life allows years of uninterrupted listening. The VT80 was originally designed with the KT120, the predecessor to the KT150, but these two tubes are electrically interchangeable and the demand for delivering the VT80 with the KT150 could be ignored no longer.It is important to mention that the KT150 tubes supplied by Audio Research, for all of our products, are tested and measured for quality control and assurance, and are burned in for 48 hours. Then using our “Certified Matched” process, they are hand matched in sets with tolerances 10x tighter than standard off-the-shelf tubes, thus ensuring the finest audio quality possible.With its auto-bias design, the VT80SE can also be used with KT120 or KT150 output tubes and the circuit will adjust immediately when a new tube is installed. Protective fuses are installed for each output tube and can be replaced if the need ever arises. What sonic improvements will you hear with the VT80SE? As our Warren Gehl said, “More music!” Tonal color, detail, dynamic swing and purity are all improved, along with a bigger and more robust presentation. The music gets better, in every way.Aside from the beautiful curves of the KT150 tubes, the only other way to distinguish the SE from the original VT80 is by a small sticker on the rear panel. Nothing else needed to change. The existing (optional) ventilated tube cover can be used with the taller KT150 tube set, there is still sufficient space to breathe. Hear for yourself how good your system can sound with the new VT80SE, it will make a tube-lover out of anyone who loves music.___________________________________________________Link to the manual: https://audioresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/VT80SE-Manual.pdf The sound is phenomenal, as I’m sure you already know about these units. They engineered a first-ever auto-bias system for the tubes in these amps so you can put that little plastic screw driver away from prior AR amps! Used with care in my no-smoking home. You’ll get the manual and original power cord all in the original double-boxed factory carton. See a separate listing for my PS Audio DirectStream Mk I DAC with the streaming Bridge II module.Reviewed 6 years by TAS: https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-research-vt80se-power-amplifier/Serial #49745 for this unit and the box label is included in my photos.
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