Audio Research VS55 Amplifier - 50 Glorious Tube Watts Per Channel

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Perfect for driving efficient bookshelf speakers or large vintage floorstanding speakers.

Tested and working perfectly in our lab. The output tubes are pulling strong and appear to have little use. This piece was biased to perfection and is producing full power without any drama. 

Features 8 and 4 ohm taps to get the most out of your speakers.  12V triggers will allow you to manage power from a preamp with the same connection. 

Condition is very good with no significant signs of use. 

From a review via SoundStage! written by John Potis:

"These days there are more manufacturers of high-end electronics than any reviewer can shake a stick at. But none is more time-honored than Audio Research Corporation.

...The VS55's treble grabbed my attention next. It was as honest and extended as any I’ve heard. It seemed to go on out forever and with absolutely no editorializing whatsoever, which could be a mixed bag. Good recordings sounded spectacular, offering a great measure of air and space and giving instruments occupying the highest octaves real presence.

...The VS55 does some things, such as bass and dynamics, like much more expensive amps, and better than most amplifiers I’ve heard. And it wraps it all up with such a remarkably clean and transparent treble that it’s no wonder Audio Research has maintained such an enviable reputation for all these years.

Specifications:

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tube Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and tubes are inspected for signs of stress overheating or cracking.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If it all looks clean we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier the remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will also be tested.

We also test all tubes for output gain and leakage on our calibrated B&K 747 tester against the original manufacturers specifications. If needed, the tubes will be replaced from our vast NOS (New Old Stock) vintage or modern inventory.

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.

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