For many, Audio Research Corporation is synonymous with clean, high-end power for critical listening. Yet descriptions from owners of the VT100 border on the sublime. Phrases like 'transient articulation' and 'ambient retrieval' are common. For those of us more simpleminded folk, the VT100 is spectacular, and this one is awesome. Factory reconditioned by Audio Research in 2020, with less than 300 hours on new Sovtek output tubes, original box, manuals, NOS Phillips input tubes, this is as close as you can get to new.
Production
1998-01
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
49192005-OB
Orig. MSRP
$4495
Restoration
- Factory Reconditioned, Dec. 2020
- Full set of new Sovtek 6550 output tubes (<300h)
- Replaced trim pot
- Replaced out of spec resistors
- Replaced 6.25A fuse
- Full set of new Sovtek 6550 output tubes (<300h)
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
Factory Specs
Type stereo power amplifier, vacuum tube based
Power Output 100 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 0.1% at 100 watts, below 0.05% at 1 watt.
Power Bandwidth (-3dB points) 15Hz to 80kHz
Frequency Response (-3dB points at 1 watt) 1Hz to 100 kHz
Input Sensitivity 1.9V RMS (Bal or SE) for rated output (23.5 dB gain into 8 ohms)
Input Impedance 200K ohms Balanced, 1OOK ohms Single-ended
Output Taps 8 ohms, 4 ohms
Output Regulation Approximately 0.8dB 8 ohm load to open circuit (Damping factor approximately 11 )
Overall Negative Feedback 10dB
Slew Rate 15 volts/microsecond
Rise Time 3 microseconds
Hum & Noise Less than 0.5mV RMS -95dB below rated output (HF weighted, Bal input shorted)
Power Supply Energy Storage Approximately 540 joules
Power Requirements 105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 615 watts at rated output, 750 watts maximum, 380 watts at idle
Tube Complement 4x Matched pair Sovtek 6550C (output, < 300h), 4x NOS Phillips 6922 (input), 4x NOS Phillips 6922 (driver)
Dimensions 19"W x 8.75"H x 19.5"D (handles extend 1 .5" forward)
Weight 66.7 lbs.
Documentation
Audio Research VT100 Owner's Manual
Audio Research VT100 Service Manual
Audio Research VT100 Schematic
Audio Research VT100 Advert
Factory Service Record (Dec. 2020)
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...
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Liner Notes
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. -Robert J. Reina
Stock No.
8011857854685
