VT80SE

We are delighted to introduce the VT80SE, an Audio Research amplifier that appeals to a wide range of music lovers worldwide. By combining world-class performance with features such as flexibility and automatic bias, the VT80SE is an amplifier you can easily take home and forget about the first time you enjoy your music collection.

The biggest change from the VT80 to the new VT80SE is the upgrade from the KT120 tubes to the higher-performance KT150 output tubes. Everyone should know that we are deeply enamored with the KT150, as we’ve used it in all our other amplifiers (from the VSi75 to the REF 750SE). Its performance is unparalleled, with an average lifespan of 3,000 hours, allowing for years of uninterrupted listening. The VT80 was originally designed to be paired with the KT120 (the predecessor to the KT150), but the two tubes are electrically interchangeable, so the need to offer the VT80 alongside the KT150 could no longer be ignored.

It’s worth mentioning that all the KT150 tubes Audio Research supplies for our products undergo testing and measurement for quality control and assurance, and are burned in for 48 hours. They are then manually paired into groups using our “certified matching” process, with tolerances 10 times tighter than standard off-the-shelf tubes, ensuring the best possible audio quality

Thanks to its automatic bias design, the VT80SE can also be used with KT120 or KT150 output tubes, and the circuit will adjust immediately when a new tube is installed. Each output tube is equipped with a protective fuse and can be replaced if needed. What sonic improvements does the VT80SE bring? As our Warren Gale puts it, “More music!” Tone, detail, dynamic swing, and purity are all improved, while delivering a larger, more powerful effect. The music is better in every aspect.

Aside from the graceful curves of the KT150 tubes, the only way to distinguish the SE from the original VT80 is with a small sticker on the rear panel. Nothing else needs to be changed. The existing (optional) vent caps are compatible with the taller KT150 tube sets, still providing ample breathing room. Listening to the new VT80SE system for yourself will make any music lover a tube enthusiast.

Electronic Specifications

Power output

75 watts per channel, continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. Total harmonic distortion at 1kHz is typically 1% at 75 watts and less than 0.05% at 1 watt. (Note that actual power output depends on line voltage and “conditions,” i.e., maximum power will be adversely affected if the power line has high distortion, although this is not very critical from a listening perspective.)

Power bandwidth

(-3dB point) 7Hz to 60kHz.

Frequency response

(1 watt-hour is the -3 dB point) 0.7 Hz to 80 kHz.

Input sensitivity

Rated output is 1.4V RMS BAL (25dB balanced gain at 8 ohms).

Input impedance

300K ohm balance (150K ohm SE)

Output polarity

Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)

Output taps

8 ohms, 4 ohms

Output adjustment

Approximately 1.0 dB 8-ohm load open circuit (damping factor approximately 8)

Overall negative feedback

15dB

Conversion rate

10 volts/ms

Ascent Time

4.0ms

Channel separation

112dB

Buzzing and noise

-84dBV weighted, 8-ohm tap

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

112dB

Control device

Power on/off, auto-off on/off, input BAL/SE, RS232, 12V trigger

Ambient air temperature

30°C (86°F) Maximum ambient air temperature

Power supply and energy storage

Approximately 350 joules

Power requirements

100-125VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50Hz) rated output is 410 watts, maximum power is 500 watts, idle power is 230 watts. <Sleep power is 1 watt.

TUBES

2 – Matching pair KT150 – Power output; 2 – 6H30 driver

SIZE

Width 19 inches (48.3 cm)

Height 10.33 inches (26.2 cm)

To chassis depth: 18.45 inches (46.8 cm); to terminal block depth: 19.40 inches (49.3 cm).

WEIGHT

45.7 lbs (20.7 kg) net weight; 60.5 lbs (27.4 kg) net weight.