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VT80 SE
Stereo Power Amplier
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Thank you for choosing the
VT80 SE to be a part of your high
performance music listening
system. Since 1970, Audio Research
has been creating some of the
world’s nest audio equipment.
Each piece is handcrafted in
Minnesota and has been designed
to provide many years of listening
enjoyment.
We understand you are eager to
begin listening; however, please
take a few minutes to read through
this guide for useful information
concerning the operation of your
new ampli er. Once installed, the
performance of this ampli er will
continue to improve over time for
you to fully appreciate the bene ts
it will provide to your system.
After reading the user guide,
if you have any further questions
regarding your ampli er, contact
your dealer who will be happy to
help you make the most of your
new component.
Thank You.
Good Listening!
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Contents
Warnings
Warnings.......................................................5
A note about packaging................................5
Before operating the VT80 SE ......................5
Installation ...................................................6
Top Plate ........................................................6
To remove the top cover (for VT80 SE units
sold outside of North America) ...................... 7
In your system ............................................... 7
Connections .................................................8
Back Panel Controls and Connections .........8
Input Connectors ..........................................9
Output Connectors .......................................9
Important ......................................................9
Matching........................................................9
A.C. Power Connection ............................... 10
Remote Turn-on ........................................... 11
RS-232 Control ............................................. 11
Operation ....................................................12
Front Panel Controls and Displays ..............12
Start-Up ........................................................13
Shut-Down ...................................................13
Hour Counter ...............................................13
Auto Shut O .............................................. 14
Break-in ........................................................ 14
Auto Bias ..................................................... 14
Maintenance .............................................. 15
Vacuum Tubes ............................................. 15
Servicing ...................................................... 15
Caution ........................................................ 15
Cleaning ....................................................... 15
Disposal and Recycling Guidelines ............. 15
Warranty..................................................... 16
Specication ...............................................17
To prevent re, or shock hazard, do not
expose your VT80 SE to rain or moisture.
Do not place objects containing water on
top of this unit.
This unit contains voltages which can cause
serious injury or death. Do not operate with
covers removed. Refer servicing to your
authorized Audio Research dealer or other
qualied personnel.
The detachable power cord on your VT80 SE
is equipped with a heavy gauge, 3-conductor
cable and a standard three-prong (US)
grounding plug appropriate to the country
to which it is originally shipped. For absolute
protection, do not defeat the ground power
plug. This provides power line grounding
of the VT80 SE chassis to provide absolute
protection from electrical shock.
The appliance coupler (a.c. power connector)
at the rear of this unit must be accessible for
emergency power disconnect.
The VT80 SE shipped outside North America
is shipped with a protective, ventilated cover.
While the cover may be removed, its use is
recommended to prevent accidental contact
with the hot vacuum tubes.
The power button on the front of this unit,
when o, does not disconnect all power from
this unit. This unit is in sleep mode when
not on.
This unit is RoHS compliant.
A note about packaging...
Save all packaging in a dry place away from
re hazard. Your VT80 SE amplier is a
precision electronic instrument and should
be properly cartoned any time shipment is
made. You may not have occasion to return
your unit to the factory for service, but if that
should prove necessary, or other occasion
requiring shipment occurs, the original
packaging will protect your VT80 SE from
unnecessary damage or delay.
Before operating the VT80 SE
This unit has been shipped with the vacuum
tubes installed in protective foam in
separate boxes packed inside the shipping
carton. Included are two matched pairs of
KT150 power output tubes and two 6H30
tubes. Remove the tubes carefully from the
protective foam.
For continued protection against re hazard,
replace the fuse only with the same type and
rating as specied at the fuse holder.
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Installation
Installation
Top Plate
To remove the top cover (for VT80 SE
units sold outside of North America)
Using the provided hex-head driver, loosen
the fastening screws from the front and
back edges of the tube cover. Once all of
the screws have been removed, carefully lift
the cover.
After removing the top cover and the vacuum
tubes packed in protective foam, see the
Top Plate illustration to install the tubes for
your VT80 SE in their proper locations in the
chassis. Note that the numbers written on
each tube correspond to a ‘V’ number etched
on the chassis next to each tube socket.
Insert each tube rmly, carefully aligning
the tube pins with the corresponding socket
holes.
In your system
To insure normal component life and safe
operation this unit must be operated only
in an upright position. Adequate airow and
proper cooling can occur only if there is no
restriction above and behind the unit and on
either side.
Due to its weight, this amplier must be
supported on a surface specically rated for
such a load. Check with the manufacturer of
your support system to be sure it is rated to
handle this weight.
If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure
such as an equipment rack or cabinet, make
certain that adequate airow above and to
each side of the unit is provided. A minimum
of 6 inches (16 cm) on top and an open back.
During operation, if there are doors on the
cabinet, they must remain open.
The ‘ambient’ operating temperature
should never exceed 86° F, 30° C. Improper
installation will cause premature tube
failure and will aect your warranty, as well
as the service life of the unit. It is normal for
a vacuum tube power amplier to run quite
warm, and if used for prolonged periods,
hot to the touch. All components within
are operated at safe, conservative levels and
will not be improperly aected providing the
requirements outlined above are adhered to.
The special non-marring elastomer feet
provide adequate spacing and stability
only on a smooth, hard surface, and also
assist to isolate the amplier from spurious
vibrations. For upright stability and best
performance, never operate the unit while it
is sitting on a soft surface such as a thick rug
or carpet.
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Connections
Connections
Back Panel Controls and Connections Input Connectors
The VT80 SE uses a fully balanced circuit
topology and has a pair of balanced XLR input
connectors along with a pair of single-ended
RCA input connectors. The rear panel switch
must be in the appropriate position for either
Single-Ended or Balanced use. Connect your
preamplier’s output to the VT80 SE before
turning on the amplier. Do not connect
the balanced XLR input connectors and the
single-ended RCA connectors at the same
time – connect one pair or the other.
Output Connectors
Proprietary, heavy-duty output terminals
are provided on the rear panel for 4 or
8-ohm speaker impedance loads. Using
high-quality speaker cables, securely fasten
the (-) speaker lead to the appropriate
( 0 Ω black banded) terminal, then the
(+) lead to the matching (4 or 8 Ω red
banded) terminal. Follow your speaker
manufacturer’s impedance specication.
The VT80 SE puts out the same amount of
power whether the 4 or 8-ohm terminals
are used.
Note: The 4 Ω tap is grounded. Avoid
wiring and speaker switching systems that
have a common ground wiring or switching
of the amplier output. Some headphone
switching systems have a common ground.
Special connections must be made to use
such systems. Contact Audio Research
customer support for more information.
Important
Use the best available speaker wires
and interconnects. Audio Research
cannot emphasize this enough. As better
components and systems are developed,
it becomes increasingly important to
avoid the limitations of inferior system
interconnections.
It is important sonically that your entire
system be connected so that the audio
signal arriving at the speakers has correct,
or ‘absolute’ polarity (i.e., non-inverted).
Connect the black or ‘–‘ speaker terminal to
the wire that connects to the ‘0’ terminal on
the VT80 SE. Connect the red or ‘+’ speaker
terminal to the wire that connects to the ‘4’
or ‘8’ terminal on the VT80 SE and tighten
the speaker terminals securely to ensure
best sonic results. Use a 7/16” (12mm)
hex- end screwdriver to tighten the output
terminals. Avoid using a wrench as this can
lead to overtightened, stripped or broken
output terminals.
Matching
It is important to use as close as possible
an impedance match between the amplier
and speaker for optimum transfer of
power to the speaker with minimum
distortion. In the case of speaker systems
with signicant variations in impedance
throughout the frequency spectrum, such
as most electrostatic types, determine the
best impedance match empirically for best
overall sonic results.
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Connections Connections
Connect the VT80 SE input to the preamplier
or electronic crossover, using only the
highest grade of audio interconnect cables.
To avoid sonic degradation use the shortest
practical length of cables.
Note: The VT80 SE will not be
damaged by improper impedance match to
the speakers, but maximum power delivered
into the speakers may be aected.
A.C. Power Connection
It is important that the VT80 SE be connected
via its supplied 20 amp IEC 12-gauge power
cord to a secure, dedicated A.C. power
receptacle. Never connect to convenience
power receptacles on other equipment. Only
use the power switch on the front of the VT80
SE for On/O control of the amplier, or the
12V start-up trigger for remote installations.
The AC power source for the VT80 SE
amplier should be capable of supplying
10 amperes for 100 or 120 volt units, or 5
amperes for 220 or 240 volt units.
other components of your system. If the VT80
SE is turned on before other components,
the amplier will amplify any extraneous
turn-on noises those components might
generate, which could potentially damage
the loudspeakers. Good operating practice
dictates that the amplier should be turned
on last, and turned o rst in an audio
system.
The VT80 SE uses a grounding system that
does not require a ground-lifter adapter plug
on the A.C. power cord to minimize hum.
The power cord supplied with the VT80 SE
has a standard grounding plug to provide
maximum safety when properly connected
to a grounded wall receptacle. If there is
any question regarding proper grounding
procedures in your installation, seek help
from a qualied technician. Caution should
be taken before using custom after-market
power cords: they must be at least 12-gauge
and have a standard grounding plug properly
installed. These power cords are to be used
with caution, at the sole risk of the owner.
If electronic crossovers or other AC powered
equipment is used with the VT80 SE it may
be necessary to use ‘ground lifter’ adapters
on the power plugs of that equipment
to minimize system hum. Generally, the
lowest hum is achieved when the only
direct connection between audio common
‘ground’ and true earth ground occurs in the
preamplier, through its grounded power
cord. Other equipment in the system should
have some form of isolation to prevent
ground loops and associated hum.
Remote Turn-on
The VT80 SE has a built-in 12VDC remote
turn-on/o circuit for operation by a master
control system in a home theater or large
audio system. Use a 3.5mm (.140”) diameter
mini plug to connect to the +12V TRIGGER IN
jack on the rear of the VT80 SE.
The +12V TRIGGER IN jack should be
connected to the +12VDC output of the
master control system, using a continuous
+12VDC signal at 12mA per VT80 SE for the
duration of amplier on-time. Do not use a
momentary or data pulse control signal.
RS-232 Control
The VT80 SE has an RS-232 connector on
the back panel, in the event the amplier is
incorporated into an automated or two-way
remote communication system. Please see
your dealer or contact customer service at
Audio Research to acquire the specic codes
relative to the RS-232 control.
For the very best performance on 100 or
120 volt circuits, the VT80 SE should be
connected to its own AC power circuit
branch, protected by a 15 amp breaker. The
preamplier and other audio equipment
should be connected to a dierent power
circuit and breaker.
The VT80 SE should be turned on after the
The +12VDC remote jacks have polarity
protection, so they will not operate if a
-12VDC signal is accidentally connected, or if
the control wires are reversed.
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OperationOperation
Front Panel Controls and Displays
Start-Up
• Secure interconnects between the amplier
and your preamplier; attach speaker leads
to the appropriate output terminals.
• Attach supplied power cord to rear IEC
inlet of amplier, and plug other end into
grounded A.C. power receptacle.
• Turn on preamp and all other components;
mute preamp output.
• Press VT80 SE front panel control switch.
Green power LED will light.
• The VT80 SE has an automatic 30 second
mute circuit which allows the amplier to
stabilize before becoming active.
Hour Counter
An LCD hour meter of elapsed tube operating
time can be viewed on the back panel, located
next to the IEC power connector. This displays
accumulated hours of vacuum tube service
life. If the amplier is unplugged from the
mains supply, the total accumulated hours
are retained. The hour counter may be reset
by inserting a small, pointed object in the
hole directly to the left of the LCD counter.
The KT150 power vacuum tubes in your VT80
SE have an average life span of approximately
2000 hours. The smaller 6H30 vacuum tubes
have a life span of approximately 4000
hours. Actual tube life will vary depending
on the frequency and manner of usage of the
amplier.
POWER
• Unmute preamplier output, initiate
Note: Once the hour counter has been
reset, the total accumulated hours cannot
source component signal, and adjust gain
be recalled.
as appropriate.
Shut-Down
• Mute preamplier output.
• Press VT80 SE front panel power switch.
• Turn o preamplier and then the
associated input source components.
Note: When the VT80 SE is shut o,
avoid restarting the unit for a minimum of 5
minutes to allow the vacuum tubes to cool.
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Operation
Maintenance
Auto Shut O
The VT80 SE is equipped with an auto shut
o feature, designed to turn the amplier o
after two hours of no signal being present at
the output of the amplier.
In the event that quiet music is listened
to at very low volumes, there may not be
adequate signal for the auto shut o circuit,
resulting in the amplier turning itself o. If
this is the case, please disengage the auto
shut o feature. The auto shut o feature
control switch is located on the back panel
of the VT80 SE. Toggling the switch allows
you to turn the feature on or o.
Note: The auto shut o feature is not
in the signal path of the amplier and has no
deleterious sonic eect on music playback.
Break-in
All quality stereo equipment benets from
a break-in period; during this time, various
components change as electrical signals
pass through them. While your VT80 SE will
sound excellent out of the box, it will only
improve with continued use.
Auto Bias
The VT80 SE incorporates a highly
sophisticated auto-bias circuit for each
individual output tube. There are no useradjustable bias controls. Each tube will auto-
bias upon initial turn-on of the amplier.
There should never be a need to check or
adjust the auto-bias circuit, once it is factory
set, no additional adjustment is required. The
auto bias circuit compensates to maintain
the proper bias as the tubes age. Auto-bias
sets idle current at 65ma per tube.
It is always recommended owners purchase
replacement tubes from Audio Research
Corp. It is still recommended that matched
sets of output tubes be installed. While
auto-bias will correct for mismatches, sonic
benets still apply with matched tubes.
The auto bias circuit will not accommodate
output tubes with extremely high or low
plate current readings. Aftermarket tubes
may not be tested to the same rigorous
standards as Audio Research tests, so
care must be exercised when installing
aftermarket tubes. If uncertain about
aftermarket tube requirements, please
contact Audio Research Customer Service
for recommendations.
Vacuum Tubes
It is recommended that you replace the
vacuum tubes of your VT80 SE in sets.
All of the tubes in your amplier have
been matched to have similar operating
characteristics, to provide the best sound
quality and reliability. In the event you need
to replace a single output tube, please refer
to the numbers written on the silver base
at the bottom of the vacuum tube. Audio
Research recommends replacing output
tubes after 3,000 hours of operation.
Servicing
Because of its careful design and exacting
standards of manufacture, your VT80 SE
amplier should normally require only
minimal service to maintain its high level of
performance. Your VT80 SE is equipped with
individual fuses for each output tube. This
is to prevent circuit board damage should a
tube arc occur. These fuses are accessed on
the underside of the circuit board adjacent to
each tube. In the event a fuse opens, consult
a qualied service technician or Audio
Research Customer Service. High voltages
can exist long after the unit is turned o.
Use extreme caution.
Caution
Your VT80 SE amplier contains sucient
levels of voltage and current to be lethal. Do
not tamper with a component or part inside the
unit. Even with the power turned o, a charge
remains in the energy storage capacitors for
some time. Refer any needed service to your
authorized Audio Research dealer or another
qualied technician. Additional questions
regarding the operation, maintenance or
servicing of your amplier, please contact
the Customer Support Department of
Audio Research Corporation at service
@audioresearch.com. You may also initiate
a service request by visiting the Audio
Research website (www.audioresearch.com)
and selecting ‘Service Repair’.
Cleaning
To maintain the new appearance of this
amplier, occasionally wipe the front
panel and top cover with a soft, damp
(not wet) cloth to remove dust when the
unit is powered o. A mild, non-alkaline
soap solution may be used to remove
ngerprints or similar smudges. Cleaners
containing abrasives should not be used as
they will damage the anodized nish and the
acrylic insert of the front panel. A small, soft
paintbrush is eective in removing dust from
bevels and other features of the front panel.
Disposal and Recycling Guidelines
To dispose of this electronic product, do
not place in landll. In accordance with
the European Union Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive
eective August 2005, this product
may contain regulated materials which
upon disposal require special reuse and
recycling processing.
Please contact your dealer or importing
distributor for instructions on proper
disposal of this product in your country. Or,
visit audioresearch.com for the name of your
importing distributor and how to contact
them. Packing and shipping materials may
be disposed of in a normal manner.
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Warranty
VT80 SE Specications
Audio Research Corporation products are
covered by a 3-Year Limited Warranty or a
90-Day Limited Warranty (vacuum tubes).
This Limited Warranty initiates from the date
of purchase, and is limited to the original
purchaser, or in the case of demonstration
equipment, limited to the balance of
warranty remaining after original shipment
to the retailer or importer.
In the United States, the specic terms,
conditions and remedies for fulllment
of this Limited Warranty are listed on the
warranty card accompanying the product
in its shipping carton. The warranty terms
are also available on the internet at www.
audioresearch.com/en-us/company/
warranty-statement. Outside the United
States, the authorized importing retailer or
distributor has accepted the responsibility
for warranty of Audio Research products
sold by them.
The specic terms and remedies for
fulllment of the Limited Warranty may vary
from country to country. Warranty service
should normally be obtained from the
importing retailer or distributor from whom
the product was purchased.
In the unlikely event that technical service
beyond the ability of the importer is required,
Audio Research will fulll the terms and
conditions of the Limited Warranty. Such
product must be returned at the purchaser’s
expense to the Audio Research factory,
along with a photocopy of the dated
purchase receipt for the product, a written
description of the problem(s) encountered,
and any information necessary for return
shipment. The cost of return shipment is the
responsibility of the purchaser.
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 aected 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 CIRUCIT
(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/o, auto shut-o 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 KT150 – Power Output; 2 – 6H30 Driver
DIMENSIONS:
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)
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3900 Annapolis Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55447
www.audioresearch.com
Specications subject to change without notice.
©2017 Audio Research Corporation. Reproduction of this document in part or whole is expressly forbidden without written
consent from Audio Research Corporation.
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