Audio Research VM-220 Monoblock Amplifiers - RARE

AUDIO RESEARCH VM220 TUBE MONOBLOCK AMPLIFIERS

For your consideration, an original condition pair of Audio Research VM-220 tube mono blocks.

Originally introduced in 2004 to the tune of $10,000 for the pair.

These very rare mono amps from ARC, capable of delivering a conservative 200W into just about any load. Only about 100 pairs were made apparently.

They are rated at 9 out of 10, as they are in excellent condition with lots of tube life remaining. 

I purchased these directly from David Rutledge Audio in Palm Desert, CA.  This was part of David’s personal in-store collection and he tested and biased it before I picked it up from him on August 3, 2019.  Fitted with lightly used and tightly matched 6550 tubes. Perfectly biased and ready for years of enjoyment.  Tested at the David Rutledge Audio lab to ensure a perfectly working amp pair.


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 like the VS series, with more power and a reasonable price. 

We are proud to announce 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.

The VM220 is sure to become another classic design from Audio Research. 


Specifications:

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 (each).

Sorry – I only have one of the original boxes (the way I received it from Rutledge Audio).

I’m willing to deliver these throughout the San Diego or Orange County areas but local pickup is preferred at zip code 92075 (Solana Beach, CA). PayPal, please add 3%. No shipping, due to weight.

Includes Amplifiers + power cords + bias tool + spare fuses + original manual’s and one shipping box.


Thanks for looking.