I have owned the VAC Auricle MKII for about 1.5 months now and it is an incredibly musical amplifier, even more musical than the Audio Research VT 100 MKII which i previously owned. The VAC auricle MK II is never bright, richer in the midrange, and more full in the bass than the VT 100 MK II. Vocals, both female and male, are amazing on this amp, so much so that you just kick back and enjoy the music. This amp is all about the music, and not about analyzing the recording. Soundstage on this amp is a bit closer in terms of width and depth than the VT 100 MKII but I can tell you that it is very realistic. Dynamics are realistic like live music and tonality of instruments are like live instruments. Really an amazing amp and well worth your time auditioning.