Vac Sigma 170i Integrated

Anyone?

Havent heard VAC in a while but not too many companies make a tube amp of that caliber...  They would be on my short list for a high end integrated amp.

I’ve heard the 170iq integrated several times. I’ve owned the 160i integrated for 4 years. I absolutely love it. It’s almost as quick and strong in the bass as a SS, not mushy or slow at all. It’s still warm and lovely. I came from a PrimaLuna Dialogue 7 mono blocks. They are a much “tubier” sound, of that warm, slow, magic. The VAC just seems to have way more power and control and much more detail, more intricate, and better at imaging and sound stage. So you loose a bit of classic tube warmth, but gain a lot more. I put my 160i for sale for about 4 months to buy the 170i, but the used offers I was getting were so low that the difference didn’t make sense. Kevin Hayes at VAC (of course) thinks it’s a really big upgrade. So if I were buying new, I wouldn’t hesitate. But it just doesn’t make sense to let my 160i go for less than 40% of a 170iq when the 160i is so fantastic. I haven’t heard them side by side. By the way, I have the fully balanced and MC phono optioned one and use Harbeth 40th Anniversary SHL5+.

Give a list to the Audio Hungary I-20 and I-50 intergrated amps ! I heard the i-20 very nice tone strong 20 watts .If you do not want to spend the big $$$ . Call mark at Well Please Audio ,  Very nice person who will guide to dealer . I heard the i-20 its on my list to buy once back to work .

I own a VAC Sigma 160i and I can tell you this Integrated is simply gorgeous. I can imagine that the VAC Sigma 170i will be even more refined. I got an used VAC Sigma 160i from a fellow Audiogoner and I have trouble lighting up my McIntosh C2600+ ARC VT100 Mk2 combo in preference to the VAC. It is simply wonderful to listen to and be forewarned, it is tube rollers paradise. I have some NOS Brimar CV4003’s and Mullards($$) in that amp along with Golden Lion output tubes and boy does it sound gorgeous. You will not be dissapointed...I am playing through a Vandersteen 3A Signature speakers...and the Vandy’s are hardly exotic in the high end world... it is pure magic to my ears.
I own three other Integrads including a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP, Anthem STR, Krell KAV 400xi and while the Primaluna and the Anthem are both highly rated amps(and much lower price point), they do not shine a candle next to the VAC. It's not even close.

Does it have a left/right  Balance control 

lovely unit
transparent extended sound with wonderful imaging and a good deal of slam
expensive, runs tubes fairly hard, well built
kevin hayes is a really good guy

So, if you had a choice,  like I do... the VAC Sigma 170i or Jadis D88s? Speakers are Wilson Sabrinas.  Thx. 

What would be the groups opinion of the VAC 170i integrated as compared to the Raven Osprey Mk3 integrated?

Yes the VAC is point to point wired. The Osprey uses high grade thick military quality circuit boards and traces.

My primary goals are soundstage, imaging and depth. It would drive a pair of Magico A3s and fed from either a Denafrips Gaia/Terminator Plus or Chord M Scaler/DAVE.

Thanks!