Best Integrated, period.

I've just purchased what I hope is the 'best' (for my system) - the very last VAC Phi Beta 110i. This was intended for Kevin Hayes' personal use, but he decided to go with his new separates. It's being tested at VAC and will be delivered next week.

Hi Larry,

I've had several conversations with Kevin Hayes just lately. Couldn't ask for a nicer, more helpful individual.

With regard to Jim Thiel, I met him while attending university in Lexington. This was in 1980 when he was just starting out. Great guy, and sorely missed.

I'll post my impressions later.

Mike

I received my new VAC Phi Beta 110i yesterday. Apart from the PITA of lugging the bulky 100 lb main unit upstairs to my listening room, installation was a snap.

A few initial comments:

1) From a functional standpoint, and for my particular circumstances, this is absolutely perfect

2) Aesthetics - also perfect. Even my distinctly non-audiophile wife says it's 'pretty'.

3) And the most important bit, the sound - I can only say that I am very, very tired this morning, as I was up until after 2am listening. I'm not one to make snap judgments, but I can tell you that after it was well warmed up, my impression is that this is the finest amplification I've ever heard. I've owned various combinations of gear over the past 30 years (including Atma-Sphere, Aesthetix, CAT, Supratek, Ayre MX-R, Messenger, even a CTC Blowtorch), but nothing has blown me away at first listen the way this did. I'll reserve further comments until I get the full measure of the amp.