VSi55 Integrated Vacuum Tube Stereo Power Amplifier
With an unbeatable combination of great sound, cool packaging and affordable pricing, the VS55 and VS110 amplifiers have been garnering rave reviews and enjoying brisk sales around the world. We are very pleased to inform you of an addition to the series, the VSi55 Integrated Amplifier. With a rated output of 50 watts per channel and a reasonable price, a remarkable level of performance, build quality and value is now available to a much wider group of music lovers.
Physically, the VSi55 is 14" W by 8" H x 16" D, making it 1" taller and 2" deeper than the VS55. The milled, anodized natural top plate is 1 1/2" deeper and has the larger inset Audio Research logo used on the VT series of power amps. In place of the power switch and silkscreening found on the front of the VS55 is a slightly recessed area (mimicking the shape of the engraved line found on our front panels), with function and volume LEDs on the left and back soft touch buttons on the right, like the layout of the SP16. The supplied remote controls all functions including power, muting, stereo/mono, input select, and volume up/down. (There is no processor pass-thru or 12V trigger.)
The rear of the chassis has five pairs of single-ended inputs labelled CD, Tuner, Video, SE1 and SE2, a (full-range) mono subwoofer output, voltmeter test points for setting bias, 0-4-8 ohm five-way binding posts, and detachable 14-gauge AC line cord. An optional perforated cage-type top cover, specific to the VSi55, is available.
The control section of the VSi55 is passive, utilizing microprocessor-controlled relays. The high performance input relay paths are especially short, the same as those in the REF2 MKII. The microprocessor control remembers the last input selected and the stereo/mono setting when it is powered down. Upon turn-on there is an automatic 30-second warmup mute, with the volume control reset to zero to avoid possible unwanted surprises. The active circuitry is essentially that of the VS55, but with 7dB more gain for greater sensitivity (.38V). The VSi55 utilizes the same Class A input (with regulated DC heater supply) and driver stages utilizing three 6N1P tubes, and partial cathode-coupled Class AB output stages with two pairs of 6550EH output tubes. The simplicity and purity of this audio circuit has proven itself both sonically and in its reliability.
Musically, the VSi55 is a joy to listen to, with great tonality, resolution and dynamics. You will have to keep reminding yourself that the VSi55 is reasonably priced because other products sound colored and lifeless in comparison. There is no bandwidth limiting, and the robust power supply allows music to flow with remarkable dynamic life. The VSi55 is pure, harmonically right, and lets music bloom. Pair the VSi55 with a great CD player and loudspeakers and you can have a compact system which defies expectations and gets to the heart of the music.
Control Functions:Front Panel -- Power On/Off, Mute, Mono, Input Select, Volume Up/Down. Handheld IR Remote -- All functions.
Inputs: All SE -- CD, Tuner, Video, SE1, SE2
Outputs: 0-4-8 ohm 5-Way Binding Posts
