VTL IT-85 or Mcintosh MA6500

I have heard the two but at different times, in different rooms, with different speakers. Take my impressions with that in mind. The Mac had more bass extension. The VTL has more transparency and emphasis on midrange. Glad you are able to hear both to make your own comparison. Phil Brady.

Apples and oranges here, your comparing a tube integrated to a SS. If a Mac integrated is what your interested in then listen to the MA2275 if its within your budget. This unit comes with 4 12ax7's ( 2 for tone and 2 for phono ) a pair of at7's and a quad of KT88's. Power output should be very close to your Vtl, FWIW Ive owned all 3 and my preference leans towards the 2275..that being said the 6500 was excellent also and very musical. In fact I prefered the 6500 over it's bigger brother the MA6900. Good luck, enjoy and let us know what your conclusions are.

Les here,Thanks for the response... Sometimes I wonder if I should start going back to seperates, just go ahead and sink the money into some reference gear and stop going sideways and start really upgrading. I think I'm addicted to hearing new gear every so often even if it's not a major upgrade.

I think I'm addicted to hearing new gear every so often even if it's not a major upgrade.

The first step to recovery is admitting it. :)

Befor I found this website I had an ARC SP-6b and an Acurus power amp for 5 yrs with no complaints or obsessive thoughts........ but it is a fun hobby, something to do. but then again ignorance is bliss.