VTL MB-185 Series III Signature Monoblock Amplifier

VTL

Upgrades include a fully balanced differential input stage driving a differential phase splitter and a lower impedance push-pull output stage. Also new is a shorter, faster and fully balanced negative feedback loop, with zero global negative feedback. The negative feedback loop completely eliminates ringing and requires no capacitor compensation to maintain critical phase integrity and information. The result is an amplifier that remains stable even under the most demanding loads.

Another significant change to the MB-185 is the switch to EL-34 tubes. Long admired for their rich, natural and open sound, the EL-34s bring a distinctive new sonic signature to the amplifier that emphasizes the integration and inner details of music. The output transformer has been completely redesigned and carefully matched to complement the midrange purity and quick, taut bass of EL34s.

There is also a new user adjustable Damping Factor Feedback control that allows the user to adjust the amplifier’s output impedance by varying the amount of negative feedback. Impedance can now be precisely set to suit the listener’s taste, and to improve control of the loudspeaker loads to deliver best performance.

The 4 possible settings are:

  1. LOW – Lowest damping factor, good loudspeaker control, most natural sound.
  2. MED – Better loudspeaker control, with some impact on sound quality
  3. HI – Best loudspeaker control, with a little more impact on sound quality, but on speakers that need the control the sonic improvement is clear
  4. MAX – Maximum damping factor, but sonic impact is noticeable

 

   
 
Vacuum Tube Complement 8 x EL34 or 6CA7, 1 x 12AT7, 1 x 12BH7
Output power
20Hz – 20kHz <3% THD
Tetrode: 225 Watts, Triode: 140 Watts
Into 5Ω
Input sensitivity Variable between 1-2V, depending upon DF setting
Input impedance 45kΩ
Load setting
Output load range 4Ω – 8Ω
S/N ratio 225W Tetrode & 140W Triode: -90dB, 120Hz
Power consumption Idle = 270W, Full power = 550W
Primary mains fuse rating 100/120V = 12A Ceramic Slo Blo, 220/240V = 6A Ceramic Slo Blo
Input fuse 100/120V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo, 220/240V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo
Logic fuse 100/120V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo, 220/240V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo
B+ fuse rating Plate Fuse – 1.5A fast acting 600V, Screen Fuse – 0.75A fast acting 600V
Dimensions W x D x H 18.5 x 18 x 9 inches (47 x 45.7 x 23 cm)
Weight 85lbs (38.5kg) per monoblock unpacked, 100lbs (45.4kg) packed

Type: Amplifiers




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