Best monoblock tube amp with Vandersteen 5A

OK, lets not start that debate again. There was a series of threads a while ago that documented the various opinions about RVs phone manner. Lets just say that he is a great designer and accessible by phone and leave it at that.

I'll agree to that SW - the mere fact that he'll apparently jump on the phone with callers who aren't customers at the drop of a pin (I never asked to speak with him, I just had a question) puts RV ahead of quite a few in this industry...

Richard also does seminars across the country every year, and will hang around afterwards and talk for hours about what ever you want. He is trying to teach how to evaluate speakers from technical measurement data so us buyers can make better decisions. He was also very open to suggestions for improving the setup literature for the 5As (never bit my head off). I really liked the guy.

You should also give a listen to the ASL Hurricans, The VTL 450's and VAC 70/70....all great!

There are a lot of good products out there, mostly with one common factor, PRICE. There are several dealers I know of, myself included that have used $10k preamps as their personal reference best. The new Belles 21-A can actually replace many $10k plus preamps as the better sounding performer. At $2495 it allows you to buy one of the best power cords on the market to get even better performance. With a pair of 150-Reference monoblocks you get power, dead neutrality with no hard emphasis, a seductive tube-like character with no coloration, and the absolute tightest and controlled bass in the business. You'll know you've got qualities that can't be touched at far more money. The bass control and depth is so good that owners of the 3A's who used a subwoofer with them are finding no need for the sub when they use the amp. It has to be heard to be believed