audio research vt 200 mk II vs the vt 200

The comparison of the VT100 mk1 to the mk2 is not really a valid comparison. The real comparison would be a mk2 to a mk3, due to the similar circuitry of a VT200 mk2 to a VT100 mk3. Both these amps use jfet inputs, 6H30 tubes, and do not involve biasing the input tubes. The original VT200 is similar in design to the VT100 mk2, using 6922's, with a fairly complex bias process. I have owned the VT100 mk 2 and 3, and a VT 200 (original version), and now a Ref 110. In the VT 100's, I found the mk3 to more detailed, much easier to operate regarding bias setting, and generally a better amp. The original VT200 tromps them both very soundly with a HUGE soundstage, and limitless power. I would be happy with that, but the Vt200 mk2 would again be simpler, trouble free really regarding bias setting, and I am sure would sound spectacular. For the prices some are asking for them, they are a tremendous bargain, both the mk1 and 2. There is a mk1 available now here for $2650 or so. Not much could touch it at that price. I would recommend confirming ARC tubes are in the unit. I have tried retubing from tube sellers with very bad results, which had me sending in my amp for repair to ARC, not cheap for shipment.

I have listened to lots of ARC amps and preamps; in my opinion the VT200 is one of the all-time best values in ARCs amp history. At $3k or less for a unit in 8 or 9 condition it is a great amp. The VT200 has authoritative low end - deep and tight; it has open and airy midrange and highs; great definition throughout but not analytic; it has excellent imaging. I can't say for sure, but I bet it is more musical than the VT200 MkII. If you buy a VT200 for 3k or less in good shape you should be able to get virtually all of your investment back if you don't like it, but it would be hard to imagine not enjoying how this amp sounds. It is heavy and will put out some heat and it will take up some space - it ships in a very manageable carton - but hopefully you won't have to ship it anywhere too often. If you can manage the size, heat, etc. you will like the VT200, I predict.

I have a VT 200 MkII and cannot fault it other than the heat it produces (only a problem in the summer in SoCal) and the aforementioned cooling fan noise if you sit within 10 feet of it (I have not tried switching it to low speed either). It is an incredible amp. On hand I have an extensively modified McCormack DNA-1 modified by the builder himself and a pair of Manley 300B/SE/PP monoblocks so I can compare it to some pretty good sounding gear. The fan is not at all intrusive, but in a very quiet listening room, you will hear it between tracks.

The MkII is a "faster" amp than the MkI sounding cleaner and affording more detail because of it. There is better attack and cleaner transients. The cost of upgrading a MkI to a MkII is pretty steep and costs alot more than the price difference between the two amps on the used market.

Hi,thanks to all my AUDIOGON responders.Thanks to Dbarger, for the clarification of model # in the comparisons between the VT100 series, and the VT200 series. HI_hifi, thanks for your vote of confidence in the vt200. Sjsanders,Thankyou, for your first hand knowledge and feedback on the VT200 MKII. I have a question.
Does the VT200 MKII sound bright in any way due to jfets
used at the front end, or is it smooth sounding , due to
the out put tubes? Thanks again, for the much needed feed back.
JION

I am not bothered by brightness in my system except on certain poorly recorded CDs, but associated components obviously have a great affect on this especially your source components. It certainly doesn't sound warm and fat either, but if you equate smooth with musical, then yes. I am a big fan of this amp's "sound." It is probably more neutral than the other components in the chain, a Hovland HP-100 and JM Labs Mezzo Utopia speakers. It probably sounds more like my modified McCormack, but with greater bass authority and midrange transparency, than it does to the 300B Manley run with minimal or no negative feedback dialed in which is has punchy bass and a definite tubey midrange quality which is killer on vocals. I would think of the AR as a pretty neutral amp with gobs of power and still very musical.