EMP VT-40.2 Tube Amplifier & 41-SE/B Speaker System Review
Summary
- Product Name: EMP VT-40.2 Tube Amplifier & 41-SE/B Speaker System
- Manufacturer: EMP Tek
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: November 12, 2009 23:05
- MSRP: $ 749/system (special) normally $1200
- Specifications
-
Model Name: VT-40.2
- Amplifier Type: Integrated Tube/Hybrid
- AC Input: 110V +-10% 60Hz
- Power Output: 40 watts per channel @ 8 ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Distortion (THD): < 2%
- S/N Ratio: > 80dB
- Signal Input (Analog): 10Hz to 100kHz; AUX, iPod/MP3 (1/8-inch Jack), L/R (CD) RCA
- Line Level Input Sensitivity: 450mV
- Dimensions: 6-5/8" W x 4-1/2" H x 10-1/4" D
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Warranty:1 year
Model Name: 41-SE/B
- System Type: Bookshelf Speaker
- Frequency Response: 60Hz – 30kHz +-3dB
- Sensitivity: 86dB (2.83 volts @ 1 meter)
- Recommended Power: 30 to 100 watts
- Drive Units: (1) 4" (102mm) Beryllium Cone Woofer; (1) 1" (25mm) Silk Dome Tweeter
- Tweeter Protection: Yes
- Crossover Frequency: 3000Hz
- Crossover: 12 dB/Octave
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Cabinet: Black Oak woodgrain with gloss tops/bottoms
- Grille: Black cloth
- Dimensions: 6-3/4" W x 11-1/2" H x 10-1/4" D
- Weight: 12lbs / ea
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Phenomenal audio quality in reasonable compact form factor
- Speakers good enough for audiophile applications beyond typical PC sound
- Own cool blue tubes at this price?
Cons
- VT.40 hybrid tube amp line level output too hot to use with most powered subwoofers
- Limited system output best suited for small office or room environments
- Speakers available in only black
Introduction
The EMP VT-40.2 hybrid tube amplifier and 41-SE/B Beryllium cone speaker system was truly a delight to review. Its ability to transform your PC desktop into a high end audiophile rig on a shoestring budget is without peer. The 41-SE/B speakers alone are worth the full price of admission of this system. The EMP sound continually seduces me to work longer at my desktop PC which is good for Audioholics but not so good when I am late to dinner. With my love of food equaling that of audio, that speaks volumes for just how good this system is. Considering their very liberal return policy, FREE 30 day home trial program and FREE shipping I can’t say anything else other than “hearty appetite” as this is the meal your PC has been waiting for you to feed it. Once you dine on this system, you won’t settle for fast food or crappy mediocre sound again.
Recent Forum Posts:
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pixelphoto posts on June 06, 2010 18:06
I'm just beginning to understand tubes and have a question about tube biasing
on the VT-40.2. I just read the reviews and owners manual and there is no mention of biasing. Don't tubes have to be biased?
Also I have Definitive Technology STS speakers which has built in powered subs. The efficiency rating is 93db. Compaired to the Cayan T-50 with 35 watts
(not normally used in desktop system) it appears that the VT-40.2 with 40 watts/8 ohms (which seem to be pushed for a desktop system) should drive my speakers. I'd appreciate constructive advise as to wither the VT-40.2 would be a good way to get my feet wet in tubes inexpensively.
Marvin
on the VT-40.2. I just read the reviews and owners manual and there is no mention of biasing. Don't tubes have to be biased?
Also I have Definitive Technology STS speakers which has built in powered subs. The efficiency rating is 93db. Compaired to the Cayan T-50 with 35 watts
(not normally used in desktop system) it appears that the VT-40.2 with 40 watts/8 ohms (which seem to be pushed for a desktop system) should drive my speakers. I'd appreciate constructive advise as to wither the VT-40.2 would be a good way to get my feet wet in tubes inexpensively.
Marvin
highfigh posts on March 17, 2010 16:23
If the line out is too hot, why not put a voltage divider on it?
magic12kenneth posts on March 17, 2010 12:27
That makes lot of sense base on the setting and design of the room. Thanks again for the insight.
Ken
Ken
KEW posts on March 16, 2010 22:36
magic12kenneth;699457
In your review on the TBI sub, you mention there is brightness with EMP 41 Speaker. What is the reason that causing it? I wanted to make the speaker isn't fatigue. Any thought on this would be appreciate.
Ken
I attribute the brightness of the EMP's to their room which was bare walls except for Glass/plastic covered pictures. Obviously, I cannot say how they would sound in your room. I have listened to the EMP's in my Living Room, Bedroom, and Office and did not have this sense of brightness. My rooms all have curtains and carpeting (either wall to wall or a large rug), but I would generally consider them acoustically "live".
Since I have been listening to the EMP's side-by-side (I still have all the gear, so I use it) with the Paradigms, Salks, and Focals, I would have noticed any significant differences in the high end. The EMP's don't have quite the air or extension of the beryllium or ribbon tweeters, but we are really talking on the edge of perception.
magic12kenneth posts on March 16, 2010 16:06
KEW;699285
Do you have a link on the Virtual Audio Amp?
What sub?
Ooops.. I meant Virtue Audio (virtueaudio.com) I haven't decided which model to buy from Virtue Audio yet. I need to do some research on that. That's great suggestion. I'm not sure if Virtue Audio have the bass management feature built-in any of the amplifier. Unless going with the receiver route.
As for the sub, my choice would be Martin Logan Dynamo or the TBI sub that I just read.
In your review on the TBI sub, you mention there is brightness with EMP 41 Speaker. What is the reason that causing it? I wanted to make the speaker isn't fatigue. Any thought on this would be appreciate.
Has anyone listen to the new Gallo Reference Strada? This was also one of my choice but the imaging was lacking from their previous model.
Ken
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