VTL MB-185 Signature Series II

 

PRICE $21,500.00 (Pair)

 

Sonically created from the same mould as their bigger brothers the MB-450's; the MB-185's offer the discerning customer the same high-tech features and development advantages at a lower cost.

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The MB-185 Series II Signature monoblock delivers superior performance at an affordable price. It offers the same technological improvements and cosmetic refurbishment as its bigger brother, the MB 450 Series II, although in this case using six 6550C tubes and a more compact output transformer to make 220 watts per channel. The extensive updates to the Series II amplifier include a revised power supply, Smart-Tube technology with automatic bias adjustment and fault sensing, and upgraded electronic components. The result is an amplifier with improved dynamics as well as superior speed and transparency at the top end. With its extraordinary agility, the MB-185 Series II is ideally suited for use with planar or electrostatic speakers as well as dynamic speakers with 10-inch or smaller drivers.

 

Beautiful designed and outstanding performance -  VTL MB-185 Signature Series II Monoblocks!

Amplifier Stands Sold Separately.

 

"The Series II now incorporates VTL's advanced Auto Bias and Fault Sensing technology-features formerly available only with our flagship Reference products. A revised power supply and improved electronics give the MB-185's an ultra-fast transient response and a dynamic range.

The MB-185 Signature Monoblock Amplifier (including its predecessors) has been a core model in the VTL line for almost 20 years. With the release of the Deluxe 300 Monoblocks in the late 80's, VTL successfully introduced a high power amplifier that could drive a wide range of speakers and yield outstanding performance for a reasonable price. The model evolved incrementally over the years, including a name change to the MB-185 Signature Monoblocks in 1996.

The MB-185 Series II Signature Monoblocks debuted in 2007 and incorporate many of the recent technological advances first introduced in the flagship 800W Siegfried Reference Monoblocks in 2004. The essential elements of Siegfried's "smart-tube" technology are now standard with the MB-185 Series II. This system encompasses logic-controlled automatic biasing--which continually checks each tube for optimal performance--and an array of fault-sensing diagnostics that alert users to the operating status of each tube.

The "smart tube" technology puts an end to the guesswork formerly inherent in large tube amplifiers, making the new MB-185s easier to use and maintain. Other technology that has trickled down from the Siegfried amplifier includes a precision-regulated power supply and upgraded circuitry components. As a result, the MB-185 has attained new thresholds of sonic performance, with greatly improved bass tightness and dynamics. Compared to former versions of the MB-185, the Series II offers an unrestrained sense of openness, tighter and more controlled bass, and an ease and musical neutrality that give you the most satisfying listening experience.

An all-tube amplifier, the MB-185 Series II is the culmination of VTL's most advanced thinking in performance engineering. A proprietary regulated power supply, high-grade parts, and an automatic tube bias system ensure ultra high fidelity audio reproduction, while tube fault diagnostics and user feedback offer the ultimate in usability and convenience.

The audio amplifier is comprised of a fully balanced input stage and a long-tailed differential phase splitter, coupled with a push-pull output stage. Within the latter section is a logic-controlled auto-bias system that continually checks and adjusts the output tubes to ensure they are operating at optimal condition for proper balance across the output transformer.

The power supply section is similarly advanced: All critical voltages are precision regulated for consistent and predictable performance under a wide variety of conditions. Large energy storage reservoirs mean that the amplifier is capable of delivering huge peak current swings into demanding loads for powerful musical performance.

Optimized operating voltages and timed current inrush limiting dramatically extend tube life, with low idle current draw on all stages. An ever-warm position further lowers idle current while keeping all voltages present so the circuit remains warm when not in use.

The amplifier can run in one of two operating modes: Tetrode or Triode. The user can change mode either in standby or in power-on mode. Users often prefer one mode to another, depending on the type of music. For example, Tetrode may offer a wider sound stage and greater dynamics for complex and demanding symphonic music, while triode may work better for small ensembles or solo instruments."

 

  • 20 Amp Power Inlet Socket

  • Full Fuse Protection On All Circuits

  • Fuses for Main, Logic, Input, Plate & Screen Circuits

  • VTL's Super Balanced & Single Ended Inputs

  • 12V Trigger for Mute, Mode and Power Functions

  • Suer Heavy Speaker Binding Posts

Amplifier Stands Sold Separately.

 

  • MODE - Tetrode / Triode Switching

  • POWER - On / Off

  • MUTE - Mute / Idle Mode

"When the amplifier is in Mute Mode, the output tubes are drawn down to a very low trickle current with noticeably lower heat output to conserve tube life."

 

'Protection' - The reason whey these sell as fast as VTL can make them.

You will fall in love with these masterpieces and what makes them unique.

Auto Bias / Fault Protection on all Output Tubes via easy to see LED Indicators.

"Comprehensive fault sensing monitors the status of the output tubes, and alerts the user to any adverse conditions. In the case of a problem in any of the output tubes, the amplifier will immediately shut down. The tube fault is indicated on the front panel, as well as by a blinking LED on the top deck next to the tube that caused the fault shutdown, making diagnosis and tube replacement easy.

The logic-controlled automatic bias system is designed to keep the tubes at peak performance and operates completely outside of the signal path. The tube biasing circuit checks and adjusts the tube bias values automatically during the power-on sequence, as well as when the amplifier is at idle (i.e. when no music signal is being amplified.), and drops out of the circuit path when music signal is detected."

 

Tetrode = 220W / Triode = 110W of liquid smooth Vacuum Tube power.

 

Massive Power Supply Capacitors and VTL's Signature Transformers.

 

Feature List:

 
  1. VTL proprietary Signature output transformer
  2. Software microprocessor controlled
    • Tetrode/Triode Switchable
    • Auto Bias, Fault Sensing
    • Current in-rush limiting
    • Standby Mute function
       
  3. 220 watts per channel in tetrode;
    110 watts per channel in triode
  4. 6 x 6550C or KT-88 tubes per monoblock
  5. Regulated screen supply and separate fusing
  1. Discrete regulated input and driver supply
  2. Redesigned fully balanced input and driver stages
  3. High quality audiophile grade coupling caps
  4. 12V Trigger and mute input
  5. Extruded aluminum front panel with luxurious,
    modern look – black and silver options available
  6. Front panel window of thick smoked glass reveals
    the glow of multiple output tubes
  7. Rack mountable
  8. Rigid construction and improved heat ventilation

 

MB-185 Series II Signature Monoblock Data Specification

Vacuum Tube Complement 6 x 6550C, 1 x 12AT7, 1x 12BH7
Output Power
20 Hz – 20 kHz into 5 ohm load		 Tetrode = 220W
Triode = 110W
THD 20Hz - 20kHz @ 220W Tetrode
THD 20Hz - 20kHz @ 110W Triode 		<2.5%
 
Input Sensitivity @ 220W Tetrode 2.0V
Input Impedance 42K Ohms
Optimum Load Range 4 - 8 Ohms
S/N Ratio @ 220W Tetrode
S/N Ratio @ 110W Triode		 -110dB, 120Hz
Power Consumption Idle = 230W
Full Power =900W
Primary Main Fuse Rating 110/120V = 12A Ceramic Slo Blo
220/240V = 6A Ceramic Slo Blo
Input Fuse 110/120V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo
220/240V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo
Logic Fuse 110/120V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo
220/240V = 1A Ceramic Slo Blo
B+ Fuse Rating Plate Fuse - 1.5A Fast Acting 600V
Screen Fuse - 0.75A Fast Acting 600V
Dimensions W = 18.5 Inches (47 cm)
H = 9 Inches (23 cm)
D = 18 Inches (46 cm)
Weight 93 lbs (42 Kg) unpacked
110 lbs (50 Kg) packed