Need thoughts on Canary & Cary

of all the amps i've listened to, the VAC (70/70 mk3) have always stood at the top of the heap, above Cary (805c) VTL (IT-85, ST150)

Are you planning on using the amp to drive the VR Jr's or some other speaker? This will be a big determinant of what result you'll get.
The 300b amps in general are lower power and will need a very efficient speakers to sound their best. They tend towards glorious midrange and rolled off low & high frequencies. Tubes are some of the priciest.
EL34s lean towards a balance that's great w/rock, warm mid-bass, and great rhythmic drive. Great ability to tube-roll to tailor the sound.
Although not as familiar w/your model, my old VRs preferred amps with relatively high current vs. other tubes designs(e.g. BAT).
More info will help...Cheers,
Spencer

the VAC 300b PP amps are neutral without the rolled off highs/lows.

OK.. thanks...

as for speakers. It depends. If I am able to do the VAC, then for a time, maybe a year, the speakerage duty will fall to what's on hand now. namely, Phase Tech's former flagship, PC 10.5 w/87db, 4ohms, or Phase techs monitor series PC6.5 w/86db 8ohms.

A lesser priced amp might could afford me surely better speakers. The JRs are in line to be shipped out soon.

I've not much of a problem going with what's on hand. for a limited time. then my idea was to do sonatina IIs.

how big is your room? the 70/70 could be sufficient depending on your listening tastes and room size. it can handle difficult loads easily. kevin tests these amps w/ thiel speakers, notorious difficult loads.