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VTL MB-750 Reference Series by James Leahy
Introduction There are good amplifiers, and then there are awesome ones! VTL's MB-750 monoblocks are truly in the reference grade heavy artillery category and are sitting right at the limit of what it is humanly possible to engineer when compared to the best in the world. Today, they have been superseded by VTL's own Siegfried's, the MB-750's still represents amazing value for money and earth shattering real world performance when pure muscle wrapped in a velvet glove is called for. Already being a huge fan of all extremely power vacuum tube amplifiers that can knock you off your feet with their massive dynamics and slam, I was eager to hear what Luke Manley had install for us with these giant powerhouse monsters begging to be plugged in and let loose. Constructed in a two chassis design for total mechanical and magnetic isolation the MB-750 houses the amplification section on the upper lever and the power supply with that massive VTL signature power transformer on the lower section. Featuring a fully balanced design design the MB-750 monoblocks are also switchable to single ended operation via a rear panel toggle switch. With twelve 6550C output tubes in each chassis the dynamic response these units can provide is totally awe inspiring. VTL have taken the no holds barred approach and chosen to leave no possible area of weakness possible. This is evident with the HUGE energy storage capacity of 780 joules per chassis. This is over 111 joules of energy more then my previous reference standard vacuum tube amplifier being the almighty ARC REF600 Mk.II monoblocks which run sixteen 6550C output tubes per chassis. The similarity between these two world class amplifiers does not end here. They are both Reference grade 'statement' products from their respective manufacturer that gives maximum possible performance without any budgetary constraints in the total pursuit of perfection. Before I launch into my normal review style, let me first comment on the people behind this company and their design and management philosophy. As a dealer, from my own personal communications, when it comes to genuinely honorable and helpful people there can be none finer in the Audiophile world than the owners of VTL; Bea Lam & Luke Manely. These people are above all else sincerely interested in developing the very best product for their customers which I can tell you is not the case when it comes to some of their direct competition. I have previously had the unpleasant chore of working with (if you could even call it that) other vacuum tube manufacturers that prefer to hide behind bureaucratic brick walls and treat their dealers/customers in a demeaning and most unhelpful way. As if this was not bad enough they even choose to implement unworkable distribution networks for their products without sufficient back-up and service. Not so with VTL, their management and company direction is fully transparent and backed with superior customer back-up and support and an amazing dealer distribution network. This attitude as far as I am concerned is a sure fire recipe for guaranteed lasting success and it is a very tough combination to beat when you combine it with products of this quality and performance level. Why am I telling you all this..... Well because the company's attitude is equally as important as the performance of their product because you WILL one day need technical support/parts and up-gradable components which can be easily useable with newer future offerings. If the company doesn't give a stuff about it's end users then who will. It is not a question of if; but when. With regard to the shipment of these amplifiers the packaging is been very well thought out with vibration resistant wooded crates that protect their valuable contents from all possible causes of harm. Being a massive 80kg's+ I recommend you get help before unpacking. They are extremely heavy despite their relatively small footprint which can easily placed into any listening room. There is only one speaker tapping on the rear of the amplifiers that is optimized for all loudspeakers between 3 ~ 8 ohms. The biasing for the output tubes is easily done by the removal of the top protective cage and there is adjustment for each individual vacuum tube. How cool is that! The Triode and Tetrode mode is an interesting feature but I prefer Tetrode all the way even with material that does not require excessive power levels, so good is the performance in each area.
82kg's per monoblock. True heavy weights of the Audiophile animal kingdom.
With the rear section exposed the gigantic VTL Signature Power Transformer can be seen in each monoblock.
Huge array of energy storage with a massive 780 Joules per monoblock!
Wake up your system with a 750w of liquid smooth vacuum tube power from the heavens.
Superior construction with zero shortcuts or compromises taken is what makes the MB-750's so very special.
Very easy access to output tube biasing circuit with top mounted testing points provided.
Drop her skirt and the huge vacuum tube output bank of 12 x 6550C is displayed.
Classic retro lines of these Reference Monoblocks are timeless in design and beautiful to admire.
Triode/Tetrode switchable; these monoblocks will suit all musical tastes with ease.
Very well protected amplifier circuit technology with full safety provision included.
Sophisticated and supremely well engineered in design the devastatingly powerful operation of the MB-750's will ignite unimaginable dynamics and depth from every recording.
Sonic Evaluations Using an old favorite, Harry Belafonte - 'At Carnegie Hall' (Classic Records) the MB-750 monoblocks provide an abundance of liquid smooth classic valve power that is hugely dynamic yet musical. They do not have any areas of obvious weakness. Not overly bloated or slow like some tube designs can be, the amazing low frequency response is both gigantic in proportions and hard hitting but never harsh. This is what Luke Manley intended and it is exactly what has been created. When compared to my REF600's the MB-750's flesh out the bass notes with greatly extended depth and slam and maintain a rock solid image that is more focused and unwavering than what I am used to hearing. Quite a frightening experience when one considers the level of performance these amplifiers must transcend. Finer details are evident in all musical passages when presented with a complex recording and extended dynamic material. These monoblocks are able to provide continued interest throughout albums that one has listened to many times over. The high frequency is both extended and plentiful but never gritty. Even when playing at elevated volume levels these amplifiers do not produce listener fatigue but continue to thrill the listener's senses in all areas of importance. These amplifiers are well suited to the power freak that likes to feel their music as much as hear it. The endless dynamic power levers will make you fall for this mad creation of pure indulgence in a heart beat. There is something to be said for 750 watts of vacuum tube power that is so intrinsically addictive, you best be warned now before you audition them that you will never feel the same again listening to anything less.
The matching of pre-amplifier is critical for
extracting the most out of these beauties. The VTL MB-750 monoblocks
really need to be put with a matched pre-amp for best results I am
now sure of that. I have tried them with an ARC REF3 and thought
this worked; the amplifiers sounded almost broken with no drive or
dynamics. I would be happy to use these in my personal reference system without any doubt. They have an abundance of headroom and dynamic scope to tackle even the most challenging of loudspeakers with total control and accomplishment. Their character of tube warmth and dynamic drive is mighty appealing to all those that wish for unrestricted amplification without equal and will not tolerate any compromises in terms of energy levels and smooth detail. These are my kind of amplifiers that I would estimate would suit the majority of tastes without any significant complaints. When you are paying for this level of performance you expect the very best qualities in all areas not just some. The MB-750's have not disappointed me when compared to their competition and would make a wonderful addition to any reference system.
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