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VAC Phi 70 good match for Vandersteen 5As?

While I love my McCormack DNA--500, I 'm thinking of making the move (1st time!!!) to tubes and have the VAC Phi 70 on my mind. I'm not sure if the output power of the Phi 70 is enough for the 5As. Opinions? Room size is 22 x 17.
I could also go with the Phi 110/110 stereo or Phi 220 monos. How will the 300B tubes in the Phi 70 compare to the KT88s in the Phi 110/220.

I didn't hear it my system, but I absolutely fell in love with the VAC Phi Beta Integrated. I don't need the integrated as I have the EMM DCC2 as my preamp already.

Thanks
fsarc
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Fsarc - My 2 cents - I currently also own a McCormack DNA-500 and I agree w/Tvad. You might try the Phi preamp to get the "tubes" you want without losing the strengths of the McCormack and find you like it better than the preamp you have now. Why give up something you love? Just augment it if you can. You can also do some tuning w/PC's, IC's, etc. I have a VAC preamp now and will be upgrading in a month or 2.
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zybar's avatar
zybar
104 posts
 
The Phi 220 amps sound great in Fsarc's system and they ARE an improvement over the excellent DNA-500.

You lose a little on the bottom (but pretty much ANY amp loses a little on the bottom to the DNA-500), but you gain a little more texture and dimensionality. Those improvements help create a more engaging experience.

Not a night and day difference, but at this point I don't think you can expect that.

George
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