You can add used VTL sig450 to the list.
I have 5As and have been looking around too. Unless you are in hurry your Pass W-600s should work well.
I called Richard Vandersteen a while ago. After he realized I was serious, I told him that I had Pass Aleph 2s and that I was considering Theta monos. To my surprise he called that largely a latteral move (though he said the Thetas were really good) and that I should consider tubes. He thought tubes had the advantage of better image body (I forget the exact term used) over the best solid state.
Our conversation was cut short so I hate to say too much with out a more extensive talk.
But Vandersteens are tube friendly designs if you want to deal with tubes.
FWIW I have on my list at this time Quicksilvers (max value), VTL sig450 (used), ARC VTM200 (use, more $) and if I really go wild ARC ref 210s or VAC Phi 220s(if I can find a deal). If I stay solid state the Theta monos. Still looking, got a few months yet.
I have 5As and have been looking around too. Unless you are in hurry your Pass W-600s should work well.
I called Richard Vandersteen a while ago. After he realized I was serious, I told him that I had Pass Aleph 2s and that I was considering Theta monos. To my surprise he called that largely a latteral move (though he said the Thetas were really good) and that I should consider tubes. He thought tubes had the advantage of better image body (I forget the exact term used) over the best solid state.
Our conversation was cut short so I hate to say too much with out a more extensive talk.
But Vandersteens are tube friendly designs if you want to deal with tubes.
FWIW I have on my list at this time Quicksilvers (max value), VTL sig450 (used), ARC VTM200 (use, more $) and if I really go wild ARC ref 210s or VAC Phi 220s(if I can find a deal). If I stay solid state the Theta monos. Still looking, got a few months yet.