Reading this thread while listening to "Famous Blue Raincoat" by Jennifer Warnes with Bel Canto Ref 600Ms and Talon Khorus X, VTL 7.5 pre. Mccormack deluxe universal player. Sounds great. 3D soundstage, detailed.
The Bel Cantos replaced tube 450s. The tubed amps sounded different than the Bel Cantos. I loved those tubed amps. I also love the BCs.
Was worried because of Class D phobia, but found that the VTL 7.5 with CBS CHYRO 12Au7s sounds incredible.