Old tube equipment sounding "tubey" is not necessarily true. For example the ARC D-115 that was mentioned earlier with its matching ARC SP-8 MKII or SP-10 preamp is incredibly neutral when working properly. Regarding the VTL Deluxe 300 monos vs the VTL 450 MKII. What technology would you be referring to? Manufacturers of tube and solid state electronics alter the tonal balance regularly as they change models. A little less midbass warmth and you have better imaging and a more detailed top end. Think it's too lean? The next generation is warmed up a little. They all play this game.
