Similarities and Differences-VAC 200IQ versus Music Reference RM-200

[SeagoatLeo]

I've been reading years of forums but never saw a comparison between VAC 200IQ (or predecessor 200Phi with no continuous bias) and the Music Reference RM-200. Both are 100 watt, Class A/B amps using KT88 pairs, have multiple low impedance taps and highest quality transformers. The RM uses solid state input versus VAC's 6SN7s. It is well known that the RM tubes last 5 times longer than typical KT88s (10,000 hours) versus ARC amps (2,000 hours-I know, my former and my friends amps). I don't know how many hours a VAC output tube typically lasts.

Does anyone understand the design differences? Are they more similar or different. How significant are their differences? (disregarding the continuous bias feature of the IQ model).

Has anyone compared these two amps?

 

[SeagoatLeo]

How about a comparison between two totally different types of tube amps, the VAC 200IQ and EAR 890, an 80 watt, Class A, zero-feedback, auto-biasing amp?

 

[Nemal1]

Following the passing of roger modjeski, I’m unsure if the RM amps are still in production?

 

[SeagoatLeo]

Following the passing of roger modjeski, I’m unsure if the RM amps are still in production?

The following is a reply from my email to the company. We are keeping Roger's legacy alive by continuing to run Music Reference and RAM Tubes. The RM-200 is going to phased out in favor of some newer designs Roger wanted us to manufacture instead. So we have a couple left on close out pricing of $3,500 plus shipping and PayPal fees. If you are interested let us know.

 

[Nemal1]

That is excellent news. My late father owned both beveridge speakers and the rm1/rm2 pre amp which is one of the all time classics, whilst I myself have purchased RAM tubes for several of my own pre amps