[macmini]

I have a unusual question!! I have run across a vr-s/3 amplifiers without a box.  The local seller is asking a reasonable price for it.  I have two questions
1. did these amps have similar problems like the vr-s/1
2. It is a class a/b with an crossover bypass.  Could it be used to bi-amp a speaker? Should it be limited to just the low end, or can it run like a "normal amplifier" and run full range?
My current set up including vr-4.5s
Thanks!!

BTW I have not forgotten to write up how to make new grills for the speakers I have been busy with med school!!!

[macmini]

sorry to bump my own thread but anyone have any ideas? I don't want to miss out!

[macmini]

Last call, I am thinking about buying them tomorrow!

[es347]

Sorry macmini...nothing to add here.  You might want to call Albert or Damon.

[macmini]

thanks! if it helps this is from the manual
Most competing subwoofers use Class D switching amplifiers due to their low cost, light weight, and high efficiency. However, in side-by-side listening tests against Class A/AB High Current amplifiers, the Class D switching amps do not have the depth or heavy impact of the traditional High Current Class A/AB amps. For this reason, we have engineered a 600 watt (into 2 ohms) Class A/AB High Current amplifier with 900 watts of peak power available. The huge transformer and large filter capacitors enable the bank of high current transistors to put out enormous peaks without distortion (0.08%
 Naturally, all of the necessary controls and inputs/outputs are provided, as well as a removable IEC power cord and 117V/230V switch.
The VR-S/3 can be successfully integrated with any fast speaker, including electrostatic and mini speakers, without a trace of hangover or mud.   Drum rolls and acoustic bass will have that extra definition heard in real life but not often experienced with subwoofers of lesser pedigree, and even the grand piano’s distinctive bell-like clarity on the bottom keys will not be marred! This is truly a reference product for either music or film sources.

[es347]

You should be able to use them in a biamp mode for the low end but I wouldn't think anyone would engineer an amplifier for a subwoofer that would run full range.  That's a question for VSA.

[scb]

1. did these amps have similar problems like the vr-s/1

what were the problems with the vr-s/1?

[BigSwede]

in side-by-side listening tests against Class A/AB High Current amplifiers, the Class D switching amps do not have the depth or heavy impact of the traditional High Current Class A/AB amps.

Perhaps this was true for whatever amps he was auditioning, but it is certainly not true of my Bel Canto eVo2i II integrated, so to lump all switching amps together in this way is a bit unfair.

[JackD201]

That manual was written quite some time back BigSwede, at that time Bel Canto was still making SET tube amps. A lot has changed since then. Current VSA subs come with Class D plate amps. In fact VSA often went to show with Spectron amps with the Gen III HSE just a few years after the VR-S/3 was launched. Class D had caught up by then.

[BigSwede]

Ah, gotcha.

Out of curiosity, how old are we talking about? My Bel Canto is from 2003...

[JackD201]

IIRC the VR-S/3 was a Watertown, New York product. That puts it at around the same timeframe as the VR-4 Gen II. 1999? Cor would know better. I joined the VSA family in late 2004. The VR-S3 was no longer on the roster.

If your Bel is from 2003, I believe what you've got inside are Tripath chips. Class "T" not D. Bel migrated to Class D also when the chips improved.

[BigSwede]

Well the whole "class" thing is pretty nebulous when it comes to digital...yes the eVos have Tripath chips not Icepower, but "Class T" is just something that Tripath trademarked..."T" or "D" are both digital so I don't split hairs

I always assumed Bel Canto went to Icepower because Tripath went bankrupt, not sure that it had anything to do with sonics, but I really don't know. I tried to get them to offer an opinion regarding the improvement, if any, from my eVo integrated to the e.One integrateds (I live 12 miles from Bel Canto in Minneapolis) but they didn't want to get into that. I do know the eVo amps are highly regarded even today. Also, a fair number of folks think Tripath is better than Icepower in general. I have not had a chance to listen to the current Icepower Bel Cantos, it would be interesting to do so.

Apologies for the thread highjack, BTW...