Tube amps that kick ass?

I was so surprised by the performance of the VAC Phi 300.1 that I got a 2nd one! Has everything you are looking for and the VAC "sound" is one of the best in audio, IMO. Organic, musical, powerful yet true to the source. There are a number of very positive reviews here on Agon. Can be had used for under $10K if you can catch one - people just don't give them up very easily. They also make a Phi 200 amp that might work for your situation. Worth checking into.

Yes Dan, you are probably correct - 50 watts of the right power might work. I like to turn my system up at times though and don't want it to strain when I do. I probably should have started a thread that was more specific to the Vandy 5A's. Maybe I will search to see if one has been started already. Thanks to everyone for such great responses.

Keithmundy- Leaning toward any of the suggestions this far?

Well, I did talk to the VTL people yesterday. There's an older 450 on Gon that I thought might be a good deal but it turns out the older 450 cannot be upgraded to the series 2 so...

I left a messsage with the Atma Sphere guy but haven't heard back yet.

I looked at the audio valve website - very nice - Germany made - I like that.

With these darn tube amps, though, I'd almost like to buy from someone in CA. Canary, VTL and Manley are all here in CA.

I don't know? Still look-in. Unfortunately, I have to work for a living too! Darn job gets in my way sometimes!

thanks for your help

keith

Hi Keith, our email server has been down the last 2 days, so I will answer your question here:

Most of our Vandersteen 5/5A customers run the MA-1- and they say its spectacular! It appears that the M-60 should be able to drive the speaker too (the speaker appears easy to drive), but to date no-one has tried it. I think a lot depends on the room size- most of the 5/5A installations we've seen have been in bigger rooms.