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Description:
VSi60 Integrated Amplifier:
The VSi60 clearly proves that you do not have to spend a fortune
to enjoy truly great sound at home. Built by hand in Plymouth,
Minnesota, to the same exacting standards as our renowned Reference
series, the VSi60 offers remarkable sound quality and value.
Its rated output of 50 watts per channel does not convey the
VSi60's ability to drive power-hungry, low-impedance loudspeakers.
We designed the VSi60 with the finest full-range speakers, not
compact monitors. Dynamics are lifelike with a sense of ease normally
associated with larger amplifiers. Yes, its resolving power is
surprising, allowing you to hear details that were previously
hidden in your recordings, but that resolution is in service of
the music — grainless, tonally accurate and refined.
Physically, the VSi60 is 14" W x 8" H x 16" D,
with a milled, anodized natural top plate with an inset Audio
Research logo. On the front there are function and volume LEDs
on the left, and soft touch buttons on the right mimicking the
layout of our SP17 preamp. The display is available with either
a black or a silver finish. The supplied remote controls all functions
including power, muting, stereo/mono, input select, and volume
up/down.
The rear of the chassis has five pairs of single-ended inputs
labeled CD, Tuner, Video, SE1 and SE2; a (full-range) mono subwoofer
output; voltmeter test points for setting bias; 0-4-8 ohm, gold
plated brass five-way binding posts, and a very high quality detachable
line cord. An optional perforated cage-type top cover, specific
to the VS60/VSi60, is available at extra cost.
The control section of the VSi60 is passive, utilizing microprocessor-controlled
relays. The high performance input relay paths are especially
short, the same as those in Reference preamplifiers. The microprocessor
control remembers the last input selected and the stereo/mono
setting when the unit is powered down. Upon turn-on there is an
automatic 30-second warm-up mute, with the volume control reset
to zero to avoid possible unwanted surprises. The active circuitry
is essentially that of the VS60, but with more gain for greater
sensitivity. The preamplifier and amplifier sections cannot be
separated.
The VSi60 has a new JFET input stage for low noise, with 6H30
driver tubes. The Svetlana 6550C output tube is used, the same
as our other vacuum tube amplifiers. Build quality is typical
Audio Research, utilizing thick traces on heavy, plated-through
circuit boards, the finest audiophile-grade parts, proprietary
litz internal wires, and the VSi60 is completely hand-soldered,
assembled, tested and packed by craftspeople in our own facility.
No production shortcuts have been taken. We are very proud of
the VSi60 because we feel it provides the finest performance available
anywhere near its price.