VT80SE announced
 

Wow, that was fast - new record? Just 12 months after the introduction of VT80, ARC have announced the VT80SE. KT120 tubes replaced by KT150s. Does anyone know of other changes in the design?

Fantastic; I suspect !)160^M and 260 m could be on horizon.
sami

Beautiful amp.
Now, is it almost "double the price beautiful" compared to a McIntosh MC275VI??? Hmmmmm......... :scratch2:

Would love to compare these amps side by side.

A link to their VT80SE page:
http://www.audioresearch.com/en-us/p...-series/vt80se
Personally, I don't understand the move to the KT120/KT150 tubes. As there are only two makers of same and they generate ~the same power as the KT88 it is simply a marketing ploy. With the KT88 one can tube-roll to their hearts ($$?) desire. Also see that it is using the 6H30 driver tubes. Same problem there. Makes one wonder if they have some sort of 'deal' with EH.

Do you guys think this would drive a pair of Martin Logan 13a's with no problem?

I am using the REF6 preamp.

Hopefully I would like to audition this setup.

I know, ideally the REF150 amp or GS 150 AMP would probably be the ideal matchup but ....cost.....

thanks

mike

Has anyone heard rumblings whether ARC may introduce a more powerful amp in the Foundation series ? thanks...

NB_Dude, haven't heard anything, but it seems the new 150W amp in the Ref series will be monoblocks (Ref 160M), and that might leave a gap for a less expensive alternative such as a 150W Foundation stereo amp. Wild speculation on my part, of course.

Thanks Lars, interesting insight....I am looking to upgrade from my VSI75 with some more bottom end power (for my SF Olympica 3s), the REF150 is the logical choice but a little pricy for me right now considering I also need the ARC pre amp....now, if they say remove the REF150 from the line up in favour of mono blocks, well, that will likely put it out of reach for me....hence, hoping for a more powerful Foundation series amp...you know how it is sometimes, got to stick to the "better halves" approved budgets......Paul

When the Ref 160M becomes available you should be able to pick up a used, trade-in or demo Ref 150SE at a great price! Possibly even brand new if there is stock left that needs to be cleared.

The 160M has been announced and will presumably be shown this weekend at AXPONA.