I auditioned an EAR 868 with my Bryston 28sst2's and enjoyed the combo; it was rich; full, easy to listen to...I purchased a VAC phi beta tubed preamp; which is sonically very close to the EAR; I thought the build quality on the VAC was much superior; the input options and remote were far better; and the sound was also a bit more detailed; more sonic depth; better sound stage;
both are good; I think from my evaluation; the VAC is better...is it better enough to justify the price difference is question only you can answer. good luck
both are good; I think from my evaluation; the VAC is better...is it better enough to justify the price difference is question only you can answer. good luck