Audio Research VT-130 SE Amplifier "Hot-Rodded" by Great Northern Sound

The VT-130SE offered here is not stock; if you are looking for a stock unit, look elsewhere. Cosmetics of this unit are not "as new", but very good nonetheless.

Robert Harley reviewed the VT130/VT150 series and was extremely enthusiastic about them. No wonder: one of famed William Z. Johnson's last power amp designs for his company, this amplifier had 'guts' and grace, with superb output transformers that improved bass performance from that of previous designs. The stock unit was an excellent 100 watt/channel amp which "swaggered", the modified amp found here is noticeably better.

The modifications (other than tube and fuse selections) were performed by GNS (Great Northern Sound). Mods include:

o Captive cord removed, replaced by a 15A IEC inlet

o Vcap TFTF coupling caps installed, replacing Infinicaps

o Front end tubes selected from NOS tubes (12BH7, 6922s). The ARC spec'd 6550s are retained. All tubes come with Herbies Tube Dampers

o Hi-Fi Tuning fuse

These all make a difference. Large and small dynamic variations are more effortless. Mids and top are very transparent, with excellent detail, resolution and timbre. If you love jazz or classical (or blues or rock!), you'll love what this 100 watter can do for your system.

Note: a cathode resistor 'popped' years ago and was repaired by ARC in Minneapolis. The repair of the circuit board trace is barely visible with the cage off. The cage should be left on during use (please see pic)

Cosmetics: some scratches on handles, covered by markers. Not obvious, you must look carefully to see this. Face plate is black. Original box and manuals.

** PLEASE NOTE: I have a Sound Anchor stand (with casters) you could add for a nominal fee + extra shipping. If interested in the stand please ask for details **

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