I used to own the entry level phi160IQ. Compared to a 150 watt SS, its bass was a virtue. Very alive, good bandwidth, a little forward and modern sounding as opposed to a romantic. Actually I believe it was more forward than my ML 532H. It was the wrong choice for my speakers, but I do miss the smooth, charming midrange.
How would you characterize the VAC tube amps?
I have been mostly using Pass Labs amps, which, as a SS, has a tube like sound. Now I am thinking that if I like the tubes sound of Pass, why not try tube amps, particularly VAC. I have Soundlabs electrostatic speakers, which are very fast, so I am looking for a tube amp >80W with some even harmonic sound. I have heard good things about VACs and I was wondering what type of sound VAC amps have. I am particularly interested in used VAC amps which may be more reasonably priced (assuming they are reliable). I would appreciate hearing from VAC users.