Randy's "New" VT-50

CDLehner

CDLehner

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Guys...Randy, is purchasing my VT-50.

It's his first foray, into tubed power-amps.

I've suggested, he take full advantage of the wealth of glass knowledge...here at the Shark; as far as, setting it up...properly and safely :audiophile:

Thanks
 
Hey guys... and Chris :)... yes anxious to give this amp a listen... decided to keep the Ampzilla and add the ARC to switch back and forth. Not gonna mess with anything much to start. Chris has told me that this guy just came back from ARC with a fresh rebuild and retubing so I think it should be good to go for now.

My biggest issue now is deciding where to put it in my open sided glass rack. I was thinking that I could easily move it in and out with SST in the bottom slot. But I have been told that the 4" above the amp is probably not enough for proper cooling.

I could move the Mc tuner on top of the rack, leaving 13", plenty of space. But not sure I like the look of that big open space...

I could also put the ARC on top of rack. Then I would have to simply unhook the Richard Gray power cable, W4S XLRs, and Kimber Kables speaker cords from the lower amp and hook them onto the upper amp...

Joe likes the last option... so what do you guys think? Would an ARC sitting up on top of the rack be out of place or look like the crown of the system? :D

I think I am leaning towards putting the Mc up on top and keeping the amps on the bottom. The extra space will make it very easy to switch the amps out :)...
 
Randy Myers said:
Hey guys... and Chris :)... yes anxious to give this amp a listen... decided to keep the Ampzilla and add the ARC to switch back and forth. Not gonna mess with anything much to start. Chris has told me that this guy just came back from ARC with a fresh rebuild and retubing so I think it should be good to go for now.

My biggest issue now is deciding where to put it in my open sided glass rack. I was thinking that I could easily move it in and out with SST in the bottom slot. But I have been told that the 4" above the amp is probably not enough for proper cooling.

I could move the Mc tuner on top of the rack, leaving 13", plenty of space. But not sure I like the look of that big open space...

I could also put the ARC on top of rack. Then I would have to simply unhook the Richard Gray power cable, W4S XLRs, and Kimber Kables speaker cords from the lower amp and hook them onto the upper amp...

Joe likes the last option... so what do you guys think? Would an ARC sitting up on top of the rack be out of place or look like the crown of the system? :D

I think I am leaning towards putting the Mc up on top and keeping the amps on the bottom. The extra space will make it very easy to switch the amps out :)...
Click to expand...

41 lbs there Randy. You know you can always upgrade your rack , or add an (amp) stand for your VT and let it reside right next to your existing rack. :scholar:
 
Might eventually grab a amp stand to sit next to the rack. For now it is not so hard to switch in and out. The Ampzilla is also 40 pounds so I know what the weight is moving the amps around :)...

Ok, I just ordered an amp stand! Set it next to the rack... take care of all of the above :)....
 
Sometimes I use two inch thick maple blocks which serve as amp stands very micely. Enjoy the tube sound, Randy. It's addicting. Still my favorite way to listen.
 
Nice... Audio Adviser have some fairly in expensive amplifier stands. One comes with spike feet, lifts the amp about 7" off the floor and have coloring to match my rack. I re-positioned some of the other gear and measured it all out. Should be able to easily move the wiring between the two amps. I am planning on still using the Ampzilla as the primary, when people are over, listening to the tuner as back ground, etc.; and then hook up the ARC when I feel like sitting down for some serious listening. That is the plan anyway :)....
 
CDLehner said:
Guys...Randy, is purchasing my VT-50.

It's his first foray, into tubed power-amps.

I've suggested, he take full advantage of the wealth of glass knowledge...here at the Shark; as far as, setting it up...properly and safely :audiophile:

Thanks
Click to expand...

Did you tell him not to do what you did? :)
 
Randy Myers said:
Might eventually grab a amp stand to sit next to the rack. For now it is not so hard to switch in and out. The Ampzilla is also 40 pounds so I know what the weight is moving the amps around :)...

Ok, I just ordered an amp stand! Set it next to the rack... take care of all of the above :)....
Click to expand...

Pics Randy!

So...let's just go over, some of the common-sense rules; I think you should follow for set-up.

Which tube goes where, is VERY important. The included chart is accurate; the tubes are clearly marked, but if there is any question...please check with me, before powering up.

Again...this is going to seem obvious; but better safe than sorry. Unpack, remove the lid; take the tubes out of their protective foam



Small, pre-stage tubes first; larger, power tubes last. DO NOT PLUG IN POWER!

Hook up your kit, speakers, and IMO...this is extremely important; a habit to get into...(if you're not already)

- Source and Pre-amp (in this case, your Benchmark, right?); on FIRST. Volume, all the way down.

- Then...plug in the VT-50, turn it on; and were it me...I would let it warm-up, at least 30 minutes. (if you can...do something constructive, in the room...while it warms up; so you can keep an eye for any malfunction).

- Volume up, and enjoy (this last part, is crucial ;))

As important as start up; is shut down. I do this...

- Volume down

- Amp off

- Pre-amp off

Of course...I'll defer, to any of the more-experienced glass-heads here; for contradictory or additional advice. That's why I started the thread :)
 
Yea, I always turn pre-amp on first, volume down, source on and then the amplifier... turning off, amplifier first, then source and then pre-amplifier :)...

And Chris, thank you, I look forward to playing with this classic amplifier!
 
Yea, the instructions I found online all say to use clips :).... Hopefully I won't be playing with that for a while.
 
OMG... too funny :)... we going to track it across the country :exciting:....


:celebrate008_2::wave::oley::crackedout::fingers:
 
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