Audio Research VT-50 Tube Amplifier

East End Hi-Fi is selling a customer trade-in of an Audio Research VT-50 Tube power Amplifier originally purchased in 2000.  It power output is 45w/ch.  The
serial number is 49098004. This is a one owner unit.  It comes with the
original 6550 tubes, and a full set of Tesla KT88 tubes.  The amp is in
very good condition with some scratches.  A few small ones on the top of
the front panel, and some on the back of the side plates. 

 

Todd Warnke of Soundstage said: 

Review at a Glance

Sound

Overall power and bass
response that belie its output rating and tubed circuitry; midrange and treble
are "precise," not round or sweet in a traditional tube-like manner.

Features

Balanced and
single-ended inputs; 4-, 8- and 16-ohm outputs; can use 6550 (supplied), KT88,
and KT90 output tubes.

Use

Todd wishes the tubes
were plein aire -- visible to inquiring eyes.

Value

Well designed and
"built like the proverbial tank"; perhaps the ideal amp for someone
who wants a little of the fun of tubes without their fuss and all of their
sonic traits.

MSRP (US new retail)

$3,495. Increased to $3,995 on Feb 5 2001.3,495. Increased to $3,995 on Feb 5
2001.

Specifications

Power
output45 watts per channel continuous from 30Hz to 15kHz. Approximate actual
power available at "clipping" 50 watts (1kHz)Power bandwidth(-3dB
points) 12Hz to 45kHzFrequency response(-3dB points at 1 watt) 1.5Hz to 50
kHzInput sensitivity1.95V RMS (Bal or SE) for rated output. (22.8 dB gain into
16 ohms.)Input impedance200K ohms Balanced, 100K ohms Single-endedOutput
taps Output regulationApproximately 1.3dB 16 ohm load to open
circuitOverall negative feedback8.5 dBDamping factor6Distortion1kHz total
harmonic distortion typically 1% at 45 watts, below .05% at 1 watt.Slew rate10
volts/microsecondRise time7 microsecondsHum & noiseLess than 0.25mV RMS
< 100dB below rated output (IHF weighted, input shorted)Power supply energy
storage354 joulesPower requirements105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50Hz) 275 watts
at rated output, 330 watts maximum, 200 watts at "idle"Tube
complement(2 matched pairs) 6550C, (2) 6922 driver; (2) 6922
input.Other Dimensions19" (48.3 cm) W x 7" (17.8 cm) H x
15" (38.1 cm) D. Handles extend 1.5" (3.8 cm) forwardWeight41 lbs.
(18.6 kg) Net; 54 lbs. (24.5 kg) Shipping.

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