14 DAY TRIAL // In case you're willing to spend some serious money on high-class, audiophile-grade gear, you should definitely take a close look at the new monoblock amplifiers from VTL, codenamed MB-450. This new amp comes with the all-time acclaimed vacuum tube technology but in a modern, 21-st century shape, easier to integrate in high-tech decors and settings. As for the performance-related specs, we're dealing with very serious technology, designed to offer you a most pleasant listening experience.[admark=1]
For those who are not too well acquainted with this kind of amplifiers, I'll just add that you need two of these for a stereo array, as they can amplify only a mono, one-channel signal. Unlike other similar amps, the VTL MB-450 comes with its own power source and regulator, built-in for more convenience and easier operation, while at the same time taking up a smaller space in your d?cor.
The new VTL MB-450 drops the vintage looks and take a sharp turn towards the high-tech contemporary gear: an all-aluminium casing with curved front panel replaces the traditional appearance. Yet, to convince people that there are tubes on the inside, this amp comes with a smoked glass panel, proudly displaying the VTL logo and the valves in the amp.
The technology in the VTL MB-450 offers premium features from the Siegfried Reference amp, such as the SmartTube, auto-biasing the valves, as well as fault-sensing; the amp communicates its status by means of small LED lights on the front panel, for instant reading. The voltage regulator is MOSFET-operated and serves fully- balanced input and driver stages for enhanced performance.
The VTL MB-450 comes with a 12AT7 and a 12BH7 tubes for the input and driver stages, respectively, while the no less than eight output valves are 6550 (KT88, met throughout the professional guitar amplifiers industry). This array delivers a massive 425W RMS in 5 Ohms in Tetrode mode, while the Triode mode offers 225W in 5 Ohms as well. The announced prices reach $13,500 per pair, so if you plan some shopping, you'd better be well-prepared, from a monetary point of view.
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