Ear 868 compared to vac signature mkii

mribob, how is the bass response of the vac compared to the EAR 868? Would you say the vac has more air in the mids and highs?

oops; meant the VAC phi beta is close to the Signiture Mkii; not the EAR; my bad

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