The Audio Research VM220 is a tube amplifier that sits in the sweet spot between classic tube warmth and modern, high-fidelity performance. These 200-watt monoblock amplifiers are built for audiophiles who crave that rich, full-bodied sound you can only get from tubes, but with the kind of power and control that doesn’t fall apart when you crank up the volume.
First things first: the VM220 is a looker. Its industrial design is all business, with exposed tubes standing tall behind a minimalist front panel. Those 6550 power tubes aren’t just for show—they glow with that warm, inviting light that tells you something special is about to happen when you press play. It’s like the visual cue that your listening session is about to get serious. And at a hefty 200 watts per monoblock, these amps are packing way more power than your typical tube setup, making them capable of driving pretty much any speaker with authority.
In terms of sound, the VM220 is all about balance. You get that classic tube warmth, especially in the midrange, where vocals and instruments feel like they’re breathing right in front of you. But it doesn’t veer into that overly syrupy territory where everything starts to sound soft. The highs are crisp and detailed, but never harsh, and the bass is tight and controlled. This is where the VM220’s muscle really shines—it can handle deep, dynamic bass without turning into a flabby mess, keeping things tight and punchy even at higher volumes.
*Includes original boxes
- Production
- 2004-2008
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 84002801 / 84002802
- Orig. MSRP
- $9900
- Restoration
- Replaced Driver tubes
- Adjusted bias
- Verified output about 200 watts RMS
- Factory Specs
Power output
200 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 200 watts, below 0.05% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at "clipping"; 230 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 100kHz.
Frequency response
(-3dB points at 1 watt) 1.0 Hz to 140 kHz.
Input sensitivity
1.8V RMS Single-ended or balanced for rated output. (26.7 dB gain into 8 ohms.)
Input impedance
100K ohms Single-ended, 200K ohms balanced differential.
Output taps
4, 8 ohms
Output regulation
Approximately 0.8 dB 8 ohm load to open circuit.
Overall negative feedback
14dB
Damping factor
Approximately 12
Slew rate
25V/µs
Rise time
1.5 µs
Hum & noise
Less than 0.2mV RMS - 106dB below rated output (IHF weighted, input shorted).
Power supply energy storage
Approximately 332 joules
Power requirements
105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 620 watts at rated output, 900 watts maximum, 400 watts at "idle".
Tube complement
(4 matched pairs) 6550C power output, (4) 6N1P input and driver
Other
Balanced and singled ended inputs, switch selected. 12V input/output connections for remote start-up installations. 12 gauge detachable line cord, 20 amp. IEC connector.
Dimensions
17½" (44.5 cm) W x 7.9" (20.1 cm) H x 19" (48.3 cm) D. Rear connectors extend .88" beyond chassis.
Weight
54.7 lbs. (24.9 kg) Net; 63 lbs. (28.6 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.
- 8820893384925
The Audio Research VM220 is a tube amplifier that sits in the sweet spot between classic tube warmth and modern, high-fidelity performance. These 200-watt monoblock amplifiers are built for audiophiles who crave that rich, full-bodied sound you can only get from tubes, but with the kind of power and control that doesn’t fall apart when you crank up the volume.
First things first: the VM220 is a looker. Its industrial design is all business, with exposed tubes standing tall behind a minimalist front panel. Those 6550 power tubes aren’t just for show—they glow with that warm, inviting light that tells you something special is about to happen when you press play. It’s like the visual cue that your listening session is about to get serious. And at a hefty 200 watts per monoblock, these amps are packing way more power than your typical tube setup, making them capable of driving pretty much any speaker with authority.
In terms of sound, the VM220 is all about balance. You get that classic tube warmth, especially in the midrange, where vocals and instruments feel like they’re breathing right in front of you. But it doesn’t veer into that overly syrupy territory where everything starts to sound soft. The highs are crisp and detailed, but never harsh, and the bass is tight and controlled. This is where the VM220’s muscle really shines—it can handle deep, dynamic bass without turning into a flabby mess, keeping things tight and punchy even at higher volumes.
*Includes original boxes
Production
2004-2008
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
84002801 / 84002802
Orig. MSRP
$9900
Restoration
- Replaced Driver tubes
- Adjusted bias
- Verified output about 200 watts RMS
Factory Specs
Power output
200 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.5% at 200 watts, below 0.05% at 1 watt. Approximate actual power available at "clipping"; 230 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 100kHz.
Frequency response
(-3dB points at 1 watt) 1.0 Hz to 140 kHz.
Input sensitivity
1.8V RMS Single-ended or balanced for rated output. (26.7 dB gain into 8 ohms.)
Input impedance
100K ohms Single-ended, 200K ohms balanced differential.
Output taps
4, 8 ohms
Output regulation
Approximately 0.8 dB 8 ohm load to open circuit.
Overall negative feedback
14dB
Damping factor
Approximately 12
Slew rate
25V/µs
Rise time
1.5 µs
Hum & noise
Less than 0.2mV RMS - 106dB below rated output (IHF weighted, input shorted).
Power supply energy storage
Approximately 332 joules
Power requirements
105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 620 watts at rated output, 900 watts maximum, 400 watts at "idle".
Tube complement
(4 matched pairs) 6550C power output, (4) 6N1P input and driver
Other
Balanced and singled ended inputs, switch selected. 12V input/output connections for remote start-up installations. 12 gauge detachable line cord, 20 amp. IEC connector.
Dimensions
17½" (44.5 cm) W x 7.9" (20.1 cm) H x 19" (48.3 cm) D. Rear connectors extend .88" beyond chassis.
Weight
54.7 lbs. (24.9 kg) Net; 63 lbs. (28.6 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.
8820893384925
