Ayre V-1Xe vs VTL 450

I ended up switching out my Ayre K-5xe preamp for the Audio Research Ref 3. The results were not subtle. Unfortunately, I don't have a VTL dealer anywhere close (Chicago), but after hearing the Ref 3, I am seriously considering the matching amps. I have also read/heard great things about some of the digital amps out there and am thinking of trying the Spectron Musician III since I can get a 30 day demo for free. I am getting pretty close to where I want the system. I think a change in the amp and perhaps some cable changes will get me to where I want to be. Beyond that, I'll need to make changes to the room. I may also look into a speaker upgrade, but that is a ways down the road. The Quatros are pretty amazing and everytime I put better electronics in front of them, they just keep getting better.

I've heard a spectron digital amp, and it's about as far from a VTL as you can get. Opposite sides of the spectrum, if you like one, you won't like the other.... definitely audition first.

WARNING Kmiller5 WARNING , you are being seduced to the tube side !!!
Resistance is futile !!! You will be converted !
Once you submit , you may never return !
Go with the glow .

Enjoy the ride .

No one here ever called Chucky an buffoon, although now that you put it that way, maybe it is fitting. Anyway, not important..What is important, and helpful to answer the question at hand is when comparing these two designs, other than the stale dry nature of the Ayre sound, there is only one thing wrong with Chucks designs.....

He uses transistors.