Manley Neo Classic 250 Monoblock

To Holm Audio
Why don't you get a billboard and a flashing neon light?

They were a model above the 450 which is what I was considering. I auditioned them in March while in California. They were paired with Analysis Ribbons, Benchmark Media DAC1, and Shanling CD. My test CD is by George Mraz(acoustic bass) entitiled "Duke's Place" Track #6 Mood Indigo. The VTL lost the low end and had no punch compared to the Sunfire/Rogue 150's. The Manley however delivered the "tube sound" with solid bass on the same track. We listened to a different VTL amp that was 14 years old with Von Schweikart speakers and it sounded delicious. Go figure. I was surprised/disappointed because of the solid reputation held by VTL in the audiophile community.

Xagwell,
Are you saying that the VTLs you auditioned were the 750 reference mono blocks? That is the next step in the VTL line after the 450. They weigh 150 lbs ea and put out 750 watts. Its hard for me to believe that a 250 watt amp is going to even come close to the 750 let alone be better in the base. I mean no offense by this and Im sure what you heard was accurate. I just think that maybee something was haywire. I have read several posts in regard to the Manley 250 vs VTL 450 and the VTLs have always come out on top in the base department. You have sparked my interest in the Manleys though. I have a VTL dealer nearby but no Manley :(
Im glad you found the right synergy for your system hopefully I will find it soon also.

Were you running Signature amp in your comparison to the VTL amps?

What did you think of the Sunfire overall?

You ultimately chose the Manley,...how did the Sunfire compare to the Manley?