Thank you very much for your insight. I would not consider the MC275 as I’ve heard four iterations including the anniversary and 5 find them boring and uninvolving. Despite really liking the McIntosh MC225 and MC240, I prefer more power, 70+ watts/channel. The Manley and Quicksilver look impressive and the Manley advertises as being lush without being "tubey." I have not heard either.
I’ve never read a review that found the VAC 200 described as lacking in those four factors. That doesn’t sound like I want a Phi and probably not an IQ either. Friends of mine (internet) have highly recommended all the RM amps with the RM200 filling the bill. I used to purchase tubes from RAM labs and was rather shocked when RM passed prematurely.
The earlier VAC amps got great reviews too. I’ve heard the VAC 450IQs several times and they were outstanding but in $1+ million systems (Von Schweikert speakers).
If output tubes make a big difference, I read on a forum that someone preferred the inexpensive JJ KT88s for the VAC 200IQ. Another choice is the expensive Sophia KT88s.
I use Raytheon VT231 tubes as cathode followers in my current amps (they sound great 120 watts but are very temperamental when a tube blows/every 3 to 5 years, or the bias drifts (summer to winter its 130mv down to 80mv, some drift). That's why I'm looking for a solid replacement. 15 years ago, I purchased the EAR 890. Nice amp but never sounded correct as it cannot handle either 6-12" woofers and/or low impedances 2.8 ohm bass (Legacy Focus). Does great on the easier to drive, 6-10" woofer Legacy Signature IIIs.
I’ve never read a review that found the VAC 200 described as lacking in those four factors. That doesn’t sound like I want a Phi and probably not an IQ either. Friends of mine (internet) have highly recommended all the RM amps with the RM200 filling the bill. I used to purchase tubes from RAM labs and was rather shocked when RM passed prematurely.
The earlier VAC amps got great reviews too. I’ve heard the VAC 450IQs several times and they were outstanding but in $1+ million systems (Von Schweikert speakers).
If output tubes make a big difference, I read on a forum that someone preferred the inexpensive JJ KT88s for the VAC 200IQ. Another choice is the expensive Sophia KT88s.
I use Raytheon VT231 tubes as cathode followers in my current amps (they sound great 120 watts but are very temperamental when a tube blows/every 3 to 5 years, or the bias drifts (summer to winter its 130mv down to 80mv, some drift). That's why I'm looking for a solid replacement. 15 years ago, I purchased the EAR 890. Nice amp but never sounded correct as it cannot handle either 6-12" woofers and/or low impedances 2.8 ohm bass (Legacy Focus). Does great on the easier to drive, 6-10" woofer Legacy Signature IIIs.