The VTM200 is an exciting new amplifier design for a number of reasons. First, it packs a strong 200 watts RMS output into a chassis size identical to the VT100MKII stereo. That means it can easily be tucked into a ventilated cabinet or behind a loudspeaker. Internal fan cooling is controlled by a two-speed switch on the rear panel. Output tube biasing is very user friendly, incorporating a simple rotary switch and large three-digit LED display on the back of the chassis. The system works by adjusting bias on just two of six 6550C output tubes, and checking bias level on the remaining four tubes. Input is XLR - only for best performance; output taps are provided for 4, 8 or 16-ohm speaker loads. We've even incorporated a 12V power -on.off trigger for custom-installation purposes.
Using classic vacuum-tube circuit design, the input stage of the VTM200 uses direct-coupled JFETs for ultra low noise. The input stage is followed by a single 6N1P vacuum-tube amplifying stage, which in turn is coupled to a pair of triode-connected 6L6GC tubes used as direct-coupled, cathode-follower drivers to provide exceptional linearity combined with good stability and service life. The output stage of six 6550 tubes is fed by a power supply with 438 joules of energy storage. Screen voltage for the partially cathode coupled output stage is supplied via two 6AS7 regulator tubes (in current production) driven by a 6N1P. The end result is an input/drive/output combination with incredible linearity and dynamic headroom, having great stability under dynamic conditions and varying speaker loads. The VTM200 should prove to be one of the most successful and popular Audio Research power amplifiers ever.
Sonically, the VTM200 has resolving power and musical dynamics which easily put it in the Reference class. Bass response is fast and powerful - here's where the big, linear power supply shows its mettle! Staging is extremely well-focused, layered and naturally proportioned. In fact, the VTM200 likely sets a new standard in its class with its ability to spatially replicate a good recording. With power, richness of body and an uncanny ability to resolve small textural and harmonic detail, the VTM200 is the kind of amplifier that demands to be driven by a current-generation Audio Research preamplifier.
Ships in original packaging.
- Production
- 2001-2005
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 50201907 / 50201908
- Orig. MSRP
- $14,990
- Restoration
- Replaced two 6N1P tubes and one 6550 tube
- All tubes test good
- Cleaned bias switches
- Cleaned inside units
- Detailed exterior
- Verified power supply voltages
- Adjusted bias
- Tested and confirmed power and distortion at spec
- Factory Specs
Power output
200 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 200 watts, below 0.02% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at "clipping"; 210 watts (1kHz). (Note that actual RMS power output is dependent upon both line voltage and ‘condition’ i. e.: if power line has high distortion, maximum power will be affected adversely, although from a listening standpoint this is not very critical.)
Power bandwidth
(-3dB points) 10Hz to 200kHz
Frequency response
(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 240 kHz
Input sensitivity
1.7V RMS Balanced for rated output. (27 dB gain into 8 ohms)
Input impedance
200K ohms Balanced
Output taps
4, 8, 16 ohms
Output regulation
Approximately 0.6dB 16 ohm load to open circuit
Overall negative feedback
12dB
Damping factor
Approximately 14
Distortion
1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 200 watts, below .02% at 1 watt
Slew rate
40V/µs
Rise time
1.2 µs
Hum & noise
Less than 0.2mV RMS - 109dB below rated output (IHF-A weighted, input shorted, 16 ohm output)
Power supply energy storage
Approximately 438 joules
Power requirements
105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 670 watts at rated output, 850 watts maximum, 400 watts at "idle"
Tube complement
(3 matched pairs) 6550C power output, (1 matched pair) 6L6GC driver, (2) 6N1P gain stage and regular driver, (1 matched pair) 6AS7G regulator
Dimensions
19" (48.3 cm) W x 8 ¾" (22.2 cm) H x 19½" (49.5 cm) D. Handles extend 1½" (3.8 cm) forward
Weight
74 lbs. (33.6 kg) Net; 89 lbs. (40.4 kg) Shipping
- The History of Audio Research
- Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
The VS 55 and 110 power amplifiers have been instrumental in bringing new customers to Audio Research - customers who are looking for exceptional sound and the look of a classic vacuum-tube amplifier. In 2003, we began receiving requests for a monoblock power amplifier similar to the VS series, with more power and a reasonable price.
We are proud to annouce the VM220 monoblock power amplifier, which represents the capstone of this series, offering performance and features that go well beyond its companion products in the VS series. Output is conservatively rated at 200+ watts.
While similar in size and appearance to the VS110, the VM220 uses an additional 6N1P front-end tube. Its purpose is to provide the differential signal for true balanced operation, a first for this series. With both balanced and single-ended inputs (switch selected), the VM220 will be compatible with every Audio Research preamplifier. In addition, the VM220 uses a super-wide-bandwidth output transformer to provide better frequency extension, explosive musical dynamics, and more powerful bass extension and speed. The VM220 has classic tube sound virtues, but with greater extension, air and a robust bass response that goes far beyond anything you have heard from the VS series before.
Like all our amplifiers, the VM220 offers 12V input/output connections for remote start-up installations, and a heavy-duty 12 gauge detachable line cord with 20-amp IEC connector. Output taps are 0-4-8 ohms. The VM220 also had a hot-start lock-out feature which prevents the amplifier from being restarted too quickly in the event of inadvertent shutdown or power failure - thereby preventing undue stress to the output tubes. The VM220 comes standard with an anodized top plate and exposed tubes, like the VS series; an optional perforated tube cage is available for $250 U.S. suggested retail.
The VM220 is sure to become another classic design from Audio Research.
- Stock No.
- 8879153447133
The VTM200 is an exciting new amplifier design for a number of reasons. First, it packs a strong 200 watts RMS output into a chassis size identical to the VT100MKII stereo. That means it can easily be tucked into a ventilated cabinet or behind a loudspeaker. Internal fan cooling is controlled by a two-speed switch on the rear panel. Output tube biasing is very user friendly, incorporating a simple rotary switch and large three-digit LED display on the back of the chassis. The system works by adjusting bias on just two of six 6550C output tubes, and checking bias level on the remaining four tubes. Input is XLR - only for best performance; output taps are provided for 4, 8 or 16-ohm speaker loads. We've even incorporated a 12V power -on.off trigger for custom-installation purposes.
Using classic vacuum-tube circuit design, the input stage of the VTM200 uses direct-coupled JFETs for ultra low noise. The input stage is followed by a single 6N1P vacuum-tube amplifying stage, which in turn is coupled to a pair of triode-connected 6L6GC tubes used as direct-coupled, cathode-follower drivers to provide exceptional linearity combined with good stability and service life. The output stage of six 6550 tubes is fed by a power supply with 438 joules of energy storage. Screen voltage for the partially cathode coupled output stage is supplied via two 6AS7 regulator tubes (in current production) driven by a 6N1P. The end result is an input/drive/output combination with incredible linearity and dynamic headroom, having great stability under dynamic conditions and varying speaker loads. The VTM200 should prove to be one of the most successful and popular Audio Research power amplifiers ever.
Sonically, the VTM200 has resolving power and musical dynamics which easily put it in the Reference class. Bass response is fast and powerful - here's where the big, linear power supply shows its mettle! Staging is extremely well-focused, layered and naturally proportioned. In fact, the VTM200 likely sets a new standard in its class with its ability to spatially replicate a good recording. With power, richness of body and an uncanny ability to resolve small textural and harmonic detail, the VTM200 is the kind of amplifier that demands to be driven by a current-generation Audio Research preamplifier.
Ships in original packaging.
Production
2001-2005
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
50201907 / 50201908
Orig. MSRP
$14,990
Restoration
- Replaced two 6N1P tubes and one 6550 tube
- All tubes test good
- Cleaned bias switches
- Cleaned inside units
- Detailed exterior
- Verified power supply voltages
- Adjusted bias
- Tested and confirmed power and distortion at spec
Factory Specs
Power output
200 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 200 watts, below 0.02% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at "clipping"; 210 watts (1kHz). (Note that actual RMS power output is dependent upon both line voltage and ‘condition’ i. e.: if power line has high distortion, maximum power will be affected adversely, although from a listening standpoint this is not very critical.)
Power bandwidth
(-3dB points) 10Hz to 200kHz
Frequency response
(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.5Hz to 240 kHz
Input sensitivity
1.7V RMS Balanced for rated output. (27 dB gain into 8 ohms)
Input impedance
200K ohms Balanced
Output taps
4, 8, 16 ohms
Output regulation
Approximately 0.6dB 16 ohm load to open circuit
Overall negative feedback
12dB
Damping factor
Approximately 14
Distortion
1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 200 watts, below .02% at 1 watt
Slew rate
40V/µs
Rise time
1.2 µs
Hum & noise
Less than 0.2mV RMS - 109dB below rated output (IHF-A weighted, input shorted, 16 ohm output)
Power supply energy storage
Approximately 438 joules
Power requirements
105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 670 watts at rated output, 850 watts maximum, 400 watts at "idle"
Tube complement
(3 matched pairs) 6550C power output, (1 matched pair) 6L6GC driver, (2) 6N1P gain stage and regular driver, (1 matched pair) 6AS7G regulator
Dimensions
19" (48.3 cm) W x 8 ¾" (22.2 cm) H x 19½" (49.5 cm) D. Handles extend 1½" (3.8 cm) forward
Weight
74 lbs. (33.6 kg) Net; 89 lbs. (40.4 kg) Shipping
The History of Audio Research
Audio Research Corporation, affectionately known to fans as ARC, was founded by William Z. Johnson, who began designing custom audio electronics in the early 1950’s and who also operated a specialty audio retail store until the mid-1960’s. Johnson’s efforts almost single-handedly revived vacuum-tube designs at a time...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The VS 55 and 110 power amplifiers have been instrumental in bringing new customers to Audio Research - customers who are looking for exceptional sound and the look of a classic vacuum-tube amplifier. In 2003, we began receiving requests for a monoblock power amplifier similar to the VS series, with more power and a reasonable price.
We are proud to annouce the VM220 monoblock power amplifier, which represents the capstone of this series, offering performance and features that go well beyond its companion products in the VS series. Output is conservatively rated at 200+ watts.
While similar in size and appearance to the VS110, the VM220 uses an additional 6N1P front-end tube. Its purpose is to provide the differential signal for true balanced operation, a first for this series. With both balanced and single-ended inputs (switch selected), the VM220 will be compatible with every Audio Research preamplifier. In addition, the VM220 uses a super-wide-bandwidth output transformer to provide better frequency extension, explosive musical dynamics, and more powerful bass extension and speed. The VM220 has classic tube sound virtues, but with greater extension, air and a robust bass response that goes far beyond anything you have heard from the VS series before.
Like all our amplifiers, the VM220 offers 12V input/output connections for remote start-up installations, and a heavy-duty 12 gauge detachable line cord with 20-amp IEC connector. Output taps are 0-4-8 ohms. The VM220 also had a hot-start lock-out feature which prevents the amplifier from being restarted too quickly in the event of inadvertent shutdown or power failure - thereby preventing undue stress to the output tubes. The VM220 comes standard with an anodized top plate and exposed tubes, like the VS series; an optional perforated tube cage is available for $250 U.S. suggested retail.
The VM220 is sure to become another classic design from Audio Research.
Stock No.
8879153447133
