VTL Siegfried II

Since its introduction in 2003, VTL's Siegfried Reference monoblock amplifier has been recognized as the leader in the world of high power, high performance amplifiers, both for ease of use and musicality. Known as the first tube amplifier to deploy true Auto Bias and Fault Sensing, as well as precision-regulated power supply technology, the Siegfried amplifiers have won the loyalty and appreciation of serious music lovers around the world.

The new Series II version of the renowned Siegfried platform features a complete re-working of the entire signal path. Upgrades include a fully balanced differential input stage driving a differential phase splitter and a lower impedance push-pull output stage with a dramatically improved, fully balanced and enhanced interleaved and coupled output transformer. VTL's engineering brings the renowned sonic performance of the innovative Siegfried Reference platform to even greater heights.

The new Siegfried Reference monoblocks gain further sonic benefits with a shorter, faster and fully balanced negative feedback loop, with zero global negative feedback. The negative feedback loop completely eliminates ringing and requires no capacitor compensation to maintain critical phase integrity and information. The result is an amplifier that remains stable even under the most demanding loads.

Adjustable precision-regulated plate, screen and bias supplies hold the output tube operating point constant even under AC and main power supply fluctuations, and stabilizes the critical power supplies yielding tonal stability and sonic integrity especially during complex, dynamic signal conditions.

Another new feature is a user adjustable Damping Factor feedback control that allows the user to adjust the amplifier's output impedance by varying the amount of negative feedback. Impedance can now be precisely set to suit the listener's taste, and to improve control of the loudspeaker loads to deliver best performance.

The 4 possible settings are:

• LOW – Lowest damping factor, good loudspeaker control, most natural sound.
• MED – Better loudspeaker control, with some impact on sound quality
• HI – Best loudspeaker control, with a little more impact on sound quality, but on speakers that need the control the sonic improvement is clear
• MAX – Maximum damping factor, but sonic impact is noticeable

Finally, the amplifier has been substantially re-voiced with premium Mundorf silver oil capacitors, for a sweeter, more extended top end and mid range tonality that sounds more relaxed, with better flow and integration. Input stage capacitors are also bypassed.

Even a brief listen to the new Siegfried Series II monoblock reveals the successful implementation of the new technology. The mid bass has more authority and control while the critical midrange exhibits a new effortlessness in reflecting the natural instrumental colors and timbres. This greater sense of ease and control of the critical mid bass and midrange area enables the top end to sound completely natural and unconstrained.

With its massive power handling capabilities, the Siegfried has always excelled at delivering effortless speed, dynamics and real control in the bottom end, with an almost organic bass quality. With this new version, even at low level listening one can enjoy the nuances and micro-dynamics of music. The Siegfried II scales up from handling the smallest intimate performances to the largest orchestral fanfares with ease. It strikes the perfect balance between seemingly endless weight and authority, and effortless finesse.