Advanced gravitational wave detectors require highly stable, single mode, single frequency and linear polarized laser systems. They have to deliver an output power of ∼200 W and need to provide suitable actuators for further stabilization via fast, low noise feedback control systems. We present such a laser system based on sequential Nd:YVO4 amplifiers and its integration into a typical laser stabilization environment. We demonstrate robust low noise operation of the stabilized amplifier system at 195 W, which makes it a viable candidate for use in gravitational wave detectors.