toolguym Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 OK.....I finally picked up a tube pre last fall(VTL 2.5)used from A-gon.I have it running through my Yamaha M-80,powering mostly my KG-4's.(La Scalas are only rarely enjoyed)The pre amp has made such a dramatic improvement in what I am hearing now,I am beginning to look at tube power amps as well.First off-I like it loud.......real loud.I listen mostly to rock,but enjoy a lot the "unplugged" stuff.So,I guess that I am asking for peoples input on any of these amps.I have been on the lookout for the VTL mb 450's down the VTL line to the mb150's.I just saw the Canary amps this week for sale,and I have always had my eye on the BAT gear.I like the fact that the VTL and Canary are triode/tetrode switchable,but also like the fact that the BAT gear is all class A,and seems to be well respected.Any input would be helpfull.Thanks everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsp1068 Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 I have owned both, and currently have all VTL. You have heard the cliche' "he designs his amps to sound like tubes" (David Haffler, Bob Carver), well, to me the Balanced Audio sounds like "tubes designed to sound like transistors"............... Very true to form, but, a little to sterile sounding for my likeing. Klipsch are very revealing speakers, very dynamic, so if you put some good tubed gear out ahead of them, pianos, guitars, etc sound so real its allmost eerie. Also, the VTL are capable of some serious bass control, especially with the signature transformers. Nice thing is with the brands you mention, buy one from agon, and if its not your cup of tea you will most likely get all of your money back. Good luck and keep the thread updated. PS, don't overlook the VTL ST 150 (stereo 150). Allthough not mono, it is a beast and can be had for $2K or a little less than. Great amp, mates very well with the 2.5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted March 2, 2010 Share Posted March 2, 2010 The Canary Audio amps are the finiest made gear I have ever seen in person every facit is high quality construction. I owned the CA-300 amps and regret selling them. I'll own another piece of Canary Audio gear some day. I'm also shopping for used BAT gear which you can't beat for the price. There is a Vk3i for $975 posted now. I've been stalking agon for a while. Hopefully I'll buy a new preamp and amp this Summer. Good luck it is fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolguym Posted March 9, 2010 Author Share Posted March 9, 2010 Looks like it will be VTL.I will be grabbing an ST-150 on Wednesday.Picked it up on A-Gon for a real good price.Can't wait to plug it in!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted March 9, 2010 Share Posted March 9, 2010 Looks like it will be VTL.I will be grabbing an ST-150 on Wednesday.Picked it up on A-Gon for a real good price.Can't wait to plug it in!! Cool! When do they arrive? Please post pics. I always like to see the tube porn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolguym Posted March 11, 2010 Author Share Posted March 11, 2010 Picked up the VTL ST-150 last night.It has 6550 A's in it right now.It is listed to run 6550 C's.It sounds incredible,but do you think if I swap out to 6550 C's it will sound a lot better? I guess these tubes have quite a few hours on them,but I don;t think they are at the end of their service life.Any thoughts on tube brands/types? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted March 11, 2010 Share Posted March 11, 2010 Picked up the VTL ST-150 last night.It has 6550 A's in it right now.It is listed to run 6550 C's.It sounds incredible,but do you think if I swap out to 6550 C's it will sound a lot better? I guess these tubes have quite a few hours on them,but I don;t think they are at the end of their service life.Any thoughts on tube brands/types? The A's and C's appear to be interchangable. However, I would send an email to VTL or Brent Jessie of www.AudioTubes.com just to be on the safe side. WHERE ARE THE TUBE PORN PICS!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolguym Posted March 11, 2010 Author Share Posted March 11, 2010 I will make an effort to get the pics.I have to re-arrange the rack first.......I put the amp on the very top shelf where the turntable goes!! Couldn't wait to power up.I think I will run a post specifically on the tubes for this amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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