We are pleased to introduce the VT80SE, the Audio Research amplifier with the widest appeal to the greatest number of music lovers worldwide. By combining world-class performance with flexibility and features like auto-bias, the VT80SE has been an amp that is easy to take home and just forget as you enjoy your music collection again for the first time.
The big change from the VT80 to the new VT80SE is upgrading the KT120 tubes to the higher performance KT150 output tubes. Everyone should know that we have been deeply enamored with the KT150 as we feature it in all of our other amplifiers, from the VSi75 to the REF 750SE. Its performance is unparalleled and its 3,000 hour average life allows years of uninterrupted listening. The VT80 was originally designed with the KT120, the predecessor to the KT150, but these two tubes are electrically interchangeable and the demand for delivering the VT80 with the KT150 could be ignored no longer.

It is important to mention that the KT150 tubes supplied by Audio Research, for all of our products, are tested and measured for quality control and assurance, and are burned in for 48 hours. Then using our “Certified Matched” process, they are hand matched in sets with tolerances 10x tighter than standard off-the-shelf tubes, thus ensuring the finest audio quality possible.

With its auto-bias design, the VT80SE can also be used with KT120 or KT150 output tubes and the circuit will adjust immediately when a new tube is installed. Protective fuses are installed for each output tube and can be replaced if the need ever arises. What sonic improvements will you hear with the VT80SE? As our Warren Gehl said, “More music!” Tonal color, detail, dynamic swing and purity are all improved, along with a bigger and more robust presentation. The music gets better, in every way.
Aside from the beautiful curves of the KT150 tubes, the only other way to distinguish the SE from the original VT80 is by a small sticker on the rear panel. Nothing else needed to change. The existing (optional) ventilated tube cover can be used with the taller KT150 tube set, there is still sufficient space to breathe. Hear for yourself how good your system can sound with the new VT80SE, it will make a tube-lover out of anyone who loves music.

Technical specifiacations

POWER OUTPUT

75 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. 1kHz total harmonic distortion typically 1% at 75 watts, below 0.05% at 1 watt. (Note that actual power output is dependent upon both line voltage and ‘condition’ i. e.: if power line has high distortion, maximum power will be affected adversely, although from a listening standpoint this is not very critical.)

POWER BANDWIDTH

(-3dB points) 7Hz to 60kHz.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

(-3dB points at 1 watt) 0.7Hz to 80kHz.

INPUT SENSITIVITY

1.4V RMS BAL for rated output. (25dB Bal gain into 8 ohms.)

INPUT IMPEDANCE

300K ohms Balanced (150K ohms SE)

OUTPUT POLARITY

Non-inverting. Balanced input pin 2+ (IEC-268)

OUTPUT TAPS

8 ohms, 4 ohms

OUTPUT REGULATION

Approximately 1.0dB 8 OHM LOAD TO OPEN CIRCUIT (Damping factor approximately 8)

OVERALL NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

15dB

SLEW RATE

10 volts/microsecond

RISE TIME

4.0 microseconds

CHANNEL SEPARATION

112dB

HUM & NOISE

–84dBV weighted, 8 ohms tap

SIGNAL TO NOISE

112dB

CONTROLS

Power on/off, auto shut-off on/defeat, Input BAL/SE, RS232, 12V trigger

AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE

30° C (86° F) maximum ambient air temperature

POWER SUPPLY ENERGY STORAGE

Approximately 350 joules

POWER REQUIREMENTS

100-125VAC 60Hz (200-250VAC 50Hz) 410 watts at rated output, 500 watts maximum, 230 watts idle. Sleep power < 1 watt

TUBES REQUIRED

2 – Matched pair KT120 – Power Output; 2 – 6H30 Driver

DIMENSION

width 19” (48.3 cm)

height 10.33” (26.2 cm)

depth 18.45” (46.8 cm) to chassis , 19.40” (49.3 cm) to terminals

WEIGHT

45.7lbs. (20.7 kg) Net; 60.5 lbs. (27.4 kg)