What's Included

* (2) Audio Research VM220 mono-block amplifiers. (USA 60Hz. Version, extremely RARE!!)  (Estimated value $10,000 for the pair. or $5,000 Each. )

* All original power cables, manuals, and boxes for the VM220's

Condition

As close to "NEW" as you can possibly get without having Audio Research remanufacture a new set. The tubes have under 100 hours on them, and the condition of the amps is nearly flawless. Hard to even find a spec of dust on them as they have been kept under covers.

Opinions and Tests

Featured in numerous publications, the VM220’s are HIGHLY sought after, but all but impossible to obtain today, as they are prized possessions to the audio aficionado’s lucky enough to own them.  This is a rare opportunity. One of the only amplifiers on the market, ever, to have actually gained value over its original $10,000 MSRP. Mainly due to its “collector” status, and iconicly beautiful sound. Today you will find them as reference amps for audio reviewers, music artists, and producers alike. With ground shaking bass that is powerful, deep, tight, and musical, midrange and treble clarity that rival the very best solid state amps ever sold, and a soundstage that is nothing short of true reality, you may consider you’re search for the right amplifiers complete, right after you own the VM220’s.

I will not bore you with Audio jargon, but I can say, as someone who has been in this hobby for a very long time, you will be VERY hard pressed to beat the power and sound of these amplifiers in the $30,000 and below range. Before these, I owned impressive Krell, and McIntosh monoblocks. I sold them both and kept the VM220’s. Every set of amps I have brought home eventually went back after extensive side by side tests with the VM220’s. In the end, the warmth, and realistic sound of the vocals, the depth of true analog bass that ONLY tubes can give you, and the wispy-airy highs of the VM220’s had my heart every time. They are very pleasing, and non-fatiguing to listen to. I have had 2 dealers challenge me to audition their high end amplifiers and compare them side by side. After listening in my home, and at their locations, I ended up with 2 dealers looking to purchase VM220’s.  They are simply that good.

High end companies like Sonus Faber, and Magico, still often use variations of this amplifier, from Audio Research in their shows and Demo's. When cost is no object, this is the sound they choose to represent the best. That should tell you what you need to know!

Also Included....

 In addition, I will include a nice set of Nordost Solar Winds RCA cables if the reserve price is met, or a proper price is negotiated. I am not a firm beleiver in ultra high end cables. I have owned some, and auditioned several. The differences between mid grade cables ($300 range) and high end cables ($3,000+ range) seems so minute, it is hard to tell if your mind is making the diference you think you hear. Not worth it in my book. But the difference between crappy cables, and a good mid grade cable, is NIGHT AND DAY! Don't use junk cables! With the Nordost cables I am adding to this auction, you can truly hear how amazing these amplifiers are. This is an incredible deal, and they are setup and ready to audition for approved buyers if necessary. Bring your amps and speakers to audition, or just listen to mine, you will love them.  

Also Available, but NOT included...

I have a pair of custom built cherrywood and maple, amp stands, as well as the matching cherry, maple, and glass audio component shelf. I can negotiate a package or also availbe for purchase seperately. They were built by a local craftsmen, and feature 1.5" thick solid maple slabs with beautiful tiger striping, and solid cherry legs with incredible hand rubbed oil finish and deep complex grain patterns. Truly one of a kind.  This is the kind of labor intensive work that just can't be found today. The oil finish processes is similar to what is used in high end gun stocks, and furniture for the royal family's! There are some minor flaws with the furniture, nothing that is very noticeable, or would affect performance. They beautifully display and support any of your audio equipment. The amp stands should work perfectly with any known monoblock amplifiers. 

Amp Review

The VM220 monoblock power amplifiers represent the capstone of the audio Research Tube amplifier series, offering performance and features that go well beyond its companion products. Output is conservatively rated at 200+ watts each.

With both balanced and single-ended inputs (switch selected), the VM220 will be compatible with every nearly any preamplifier on the market. In addition, the VM220 uses a super-wide-bandwidth output transformer to provide better frequency extension beyond the audible range. This creates explosive musical dynamics, 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.

Like all Audio Research 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, an optional perforated tube cage is available.

Technical Specifications:

Power output: 200 watts per channel RMS (continuous)

Approximate actual power available at "clipping": 230 watts (1kHz).

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.

Distortion  

Slew rate 25 volts/microsecond

Rise time 1.5 microseconds

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) 6N1P, (4 matched pairs) 6550C

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 17.5" (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. each (24.9 kg) Net; 63 lbs.

Shipping

* I am willing to drive a reasonable distance (Within 300 Mi. of 55902) to meet up with a buyer once payment has fully cleared.

* I am willing to ship the amplifiers, at buyers expense, they will be packaged in original boxes, and insured for entire puchase value.