What to put under my VAC AMP/ PREAMP??

Resurrecting the thread on ultralinear versus triode. I listened my first two months (received the VAC gear this summer) in ultralinear mode. Just borrowed a Decware Torii Mk III 25 wpc amp to see how it sounded in my system. More body/heft, silkier, more delicate mids and highs, and better spaciousness esp front to back. VAC beat it easily in transient speed, articulation, low end control/grip and sheer presence. But...it did make me realize the VAC was lean by comparison. So I decided to try the 300.1a in triode mode. It took the edge off the highs, warmed up the mids, and brought more space and body into the presentation. Much less aggressive sound compared to ultralinear in my system. Very slight absence of total grip on lower registers. My Esoteric MG20 speakers are 89db efficient with nominal load of 6 ohms, dipping to about 4ohms. Eager to hear if anyone has done more comparing on ultralinear versus triode mode and what was gained/lost. And, if I wanted to add more heft (without loss of grip/control) any tube swapping recommednations? Darrin

Darin, I prefer triode as you found out. I'm sorry but to get the sound you want you are going to have to get another phi 300.1 and turn them into monoblocks. Place new old stock RCA black base late 50's tubes in the two middle positions and place Sylvania new old stock 6SN7 in the outer positions. Place tube rings on all eight tubes and you will be in heaven. Jeff

i use 2 Hrs m3x custom under my vac statemts 450s ,and hrs m3x plaltforms ,as part of the mxr stand ,under the vac sig.2 and its power supply.extremly effective !

Ozy, VAC replaced Gryphon so what replaced your Tidal Sunray? :-)

knghifi--

A recently acquired focal stella em in "hot" red.