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VTL MB-750
Reference Series
Review
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Today, they have been superseded by VTL's own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 favourite, 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 am convinced ARC pre-amplifiers and VTL power amplifiers do not
mix, however VTL pre-amplifiers match well with Audio Research
amplifiers. I have tried the MB-750's with an old cheap TLA pre-amp and the
sound just came alive and had the impact and slam you would expect
from 750w vacuum tube monoblocks.
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.
Associated review Equipment
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Pre-Amplifier:
Trevor Lees Audio Signature
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Speakers:
Martin Logan Odyssey
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Cables:
Furutech
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Cartridge: Ortofon
Jubilee
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Turntable:
Rega P7
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