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At VTL we have developed a full range of reliable and high-performance tubed electronics to satisfy your taste for a truly high-end audio system. To help you select the best VTL product(s) for your audio and home theater needs, the following synopsis of the different product categories that we offer will help you decide which system performance level will best fit your needs. We believe that the best sounding system is one where each of the components in the entire system are well-matched to work synergistically together as a well balanced system. In particular, we believe that the matching of the amplifiers to the loudspeakers is the most critical link to a musically satisfying system. You may wish to consult our general guidelines for system matching for further details. Your VTL dealer is your personal guide and consultant who can assist you in putting together the most musical high-end audio/video system to best meet your requirements. Please check the Where to Buy section to receive information about where VTL products are distributed. Multi-function integrated amplifiers are similar to stereo receivers, in that they are usually specified in systems that have a prerequisite for simplicity and limited space availability. Integrated amplifiers offer the shortest link between music source and output device, with a minimum of interconnect cables and rack space required, and usually offering a headphone output for personal use in smaller living spaces. The signal path is simple and direct, with a minimum number of gain stages. The signal path is usually source component to power amplifier (which has the volume control), and power amplifier to loudspeakers. This simplicity means not having to be concerned with impedance matching between components, and the sound is therefore purer with less inter-stage buffering involved. With this minimalist approach the integrated amplifier acts as the primary electrical conduit between your music source, (e.g. CD, tuner, tape, etc.) and your loudspeakers. In such a system just one power switch activates the whole system, with minimal setup requirements. The VTL IT-85 integrated amplifier has both a fully active high end preamplifier and power amplifier on one compact chassis. It offers the performance and features of high end separate components, with the space-saving approach of a receiver. If simplicity of operation with high performance sound is key in your system selection criteria, then the VTL IT-85 Integrated Amplifier is the ideal product for you. For more advanced system users phono capability is available with the addition of the (separately available) VTL TP2.5 stand-alone phono stage. Further system expansion is also available with the addition of either a powered sub-woofer or a second amplifier connected to the IT-85’s pre- out in a bi-amplified system (the pre-out is precisely gain-matched to properly interface with the VTL ST-85 in such a horizontally bi-amplified system).
If improved system performance is a key factor in your selection process, then the separates approach is usually the most suitable choice. Often this approach is chosen for the higher performance and lower noise level attained by separating the power supplies for each gain stage. Think of separates as taking a receiver and separating the preamplifier (volume control and source selection functions) and the power amplifier sections. The benefit of this approach is that better separation between gain and current functions is attained, as the power amplifier current demands on the power supply will not be able to affect the fragile preamplifier signal.
The preamplifier functions to select the desired source component, and to provide the user with a volume control with which to be able to vary the sound level of the whole system. Preamplifiers are required for pre-amplifying the small source signal sufficiently to be able to drive a power amplifier. The consideration of this component is critical, as it is usually the first component to have the greatest effect on the source signal. Preamplifiers may also be required to drive a long cable to the power amplifier, or a low impedance at the power amplifier. Not taking either of these considerations into account in the design of the preamplifier could result in seriously degraded sound quality. Another consideration is that different technologies may be desired for their best properties in different areas of the playback chain. For example, the user may prefer the efficiency and current capability of a solid state power amplifier, to which the warmth and musical tonality of a tube preamplifier may be added, (or vice-versa) for a system with the best of both worlds. The VTL Preamplifiers are both designed to deliver outstanding performance driving long interconnect cables and low impedance power amplifiers. The VTL preamplifiers both offer superior sonic performance, intuitive user interface and many other features. Our preamplifiers are also ideally suited for first-time tube users, as they require little to no maintenance.
Power Amplifiers are required for turning the voltage signal into current to drive the loudspeaker. The function and interface of the power amplifier to the loudspeaker is potentially much more complex than that of the preamplifier, as it involves more interaction considerations that change under dynamic conditions. Loudspeakers often change their characteristics with changes in volume and/or frequency, and the matching of the power amplifier to the loudspeaker load is therefore critical.
Stereo amplifiers save space, offering two channels of amplification on one chassis. If proper consideration of the power supply is not taken into account the two channels can interact with each other and degrade stereo performance. The VTL Stereo amplifiers have separate power supplies, offering channel separation that rivals that of most monoblocks. We offer two stereo power amplifiers, with different sonic characteristics and different capabilities with different loudspeakers. The VTL ST-85 is designed for small stand-mounted mini-monitors with speed and musicality, while the ST-150 is designed to drive small floorstanding loudspeakers with ease and definition.
Monoblocks offer ultimate channel separation, and can be placed closer to the loudspeakers for minimal current loss through the loudspeaker cables, and minimal interference between power amplifier and source components. VTL Monoblocks can also be purchased in single units, for use in multi-channel systems. We offer three series of monoblock power amplifier, for greater resolution in all audio systems, and proven ability to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.
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