Retrospectively, I often consider that some of my best times of music listening were with a pair of Audio Research VT150's monoblocks + LS5mk3 in the late 90's, early 2000's. Listening to old recordings I often try to remember about how they sounded with this system. As sometimes heart wins over brains, about an year ago when I learned that the person who got my old pair was wanting to sell them as they has stayed for several years unplayed, needing tubes and a repair, I got them back. As could be expected they are still waiting for my time boxed in my garage ...
However a few minutes ago I noticed that Stereophile re-published online a Robert Hartley 1994 review about them that I had never read - at that time I only got the Martin Colloms one in HifiNews. https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-research-vt-150-monoblock-power-amplifier
I was mainly interested in the measurements section - the VT150 is an unusual design for ARC, using 50% cathode coupling in the output stage and a cross- coupled input section with a tube regulated power supply. But I also enjoyed reading RH comment:
"The LS5 and VT-150 combination provided the kind of musical experience that gets your heart thumping, you palms sweaty, and your whole body involved in the experience of music-making. I consistently felt that these electronics let me in on the musical event, allowing me to hear more closely what the musicians were doing. I felt somehow privy to what went on at the recording sessions, as though more of the musicians' intent was communicated by the electronics. The involvement provided by the LS5 and VT-150s wasn't the result of some spectacular sonics, but of their ability to take me several steps closer to the musical message. I left each listening session exhilarated (footnote 4) "
Twenty six years later, it is still what we are looking for!
However a few minutes ago I noticed that Stereophile re-published online a Robert Hartley 1994 review about them that I had never read - at that time I only got the Martin Colloms one in HifiNews. https://www.stereophile.com/content/audio-research-vt-150-monoblock-power-amplifier
I was mainly interested in the measurements section - the VT150 is an unusual design for ARC, using 50% cathode coupling in the output stage and a cross- coupled input section with a tube regulated power supply. But I also enjoyed reading RH comment:
"The LS5 and VT-150 combination provided the kind of musical experience that gets your heart thumping, you palms sweaty, and your whole body involved in the experience of music-making. I consistently felt that these electronics let me in on the musical event, allowing me to hear more closely what the musicians were doing. I felt somehow privy to what went on at the recording sessions, as though more of the musicians' intent was communicated by the electronics. The involvement provided by the LS5 and VT-150s wasn't the result of some spectacular sonics, but of their ability to take me several steps closer to the musical message. I left each listening session exhilarated (footnote 4) "
Twenty six years later, it is still what we are looking for!
