2. amps-preamps
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Help to make a choice: BAT; VAC; E.A.R.

Hi,
I'm on a market for a new amp, and it's going to be tubes this time. A friend of mine kindly loaned me his E.A.R. 534 amp, so that's all it took to convince me I prefer "tube" sound.
My room is 25x16x8
My music tastes are pretty diverse: classic rock, some classical, acoustic, etc.
And you can see the rest of my system listed below.
My current choices are ( for approx. the same money):
BAT VK-60 monoblocks
BAT VK-60 SE
BAT VK-55
EAR 534 (for less money)
VAC Auricle Monoblocks
VAC 220 Monoblocks
VAC Standard 105/105
P.S. I'm using Velodyne DD-15 Sub in my system now, so the amp's bass performance is not the highest priority.
As always, all your comments, comparisons and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Regards.
maril555
artg
362 posts
 
#1, they sound 'right' - I mean not fuzzy and bloated or dark the the way some tubed amps can sound. They are generally speaking tight dynamic, articulate and provide just enough tube bloom without getting flabby. Oh, and they are built like tanks.

I heard and enjoyed the auricle music bloc monos, but know their entire line is well designed, well-built and (if need be), well serviced (Mr Hayes is a real gem in audio).

Any local VAC retailers in your area? You should also do a search under virtual systems and discussions forums under VAC to hear from people who run them (as I dont, Im a Nagra guy).

ENJOY!
maineiac
649 posts
 
VAC has many times been used by VSA in demos and I think there is a good synergy. I use VAC Avatar Super integrated with 4JRs with great results. Kevin Hayes at VAC is great to deal with.
blakeaudio
40 posts
 
i also would vote for vac. i think their products are great and can vouch for their customer service, which really stands out as 1st class.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Nice room and setup.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
vac by far
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