VAC 30/70...pick your pre?

I had the VAC 70/70 Renaissance (not the signature version) Mk III for several years, and it is an outstanding amp with that classic to-die-for VAC mid-range. After an ill-advised system overhaul, I started over--again--and ended up getting the Line Magnetic 508ia. The 508 sounds great with the stock tubes, but if you upgrade the 300B and 6SN7/6SL7 tubes, you can take it to another level and it is truly very, very special.

Let's put it this way, as good as the VAC was, I don't feel like I am missing a thing with the 508. I know these are famous last words for an audiophile, but this integrated is here to stay. It's a nice piece of eye candy, and it sounds even better than it looks.

Paul,
I have the LM 508 integrated and will very soon be auditioning the Double Impact speakers. I'll report back with some impressions once I take delivery. I ordered them last Wednesday, and Eric said then it would only take "a few days" to make them. If I am lucky, they may ship later this week or early next week. They would seem to be a great match with the 508, but we will find out soon enough.

Hi Charles,
I just couldn't resist trying the DI speakers, as much as I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy my Ulysses speakers. I'm sort of playing a hunch, I guess. I have some time off on the horizon, so this is an ideal time for me to audition new speakers and conduct an intensive comparison between the mighty Ulysses and the upstart Double Impacts. I ordered the 4 ohm version, though the 508 should be fine with either version. It should be a lot of fun, really a can't lose proposition with Eric's 30-day trial period. I'll let you and others know what I think when they arrive and I have a little time to formulate some impressions. Thanks for your note!

Facten,

Yes, I sure did. I thought the cost of the upgrade made it well worth trying.

It is true that the Daedalus speakers are just beautiful to look at, as well as to listen through. I am at place in my life--with two children bearing down on college--where great value has become a priority to me, so I am trying to put together a great, musical, satisfying system for less money than I have invested in the past. Fortunately, as Charles has observed, there are some outstanding values out there right now that seem to compromise little, if anything, in terms of excellent sonics. I consider the Line Magnetic integrated amps--especially the 508-- to meet that criteria. I also consider the Teo Game Changer interconnects and Cerious Graphene power cords and speaker cables in the same category. 

I look forward to seeing whether the Double Impacts also belong in that category, as others here have indicated that they do. No doubt, the Ulysses will present some serious competition, as I have never heard a speaker that I prefer to them. It should be interesting and a lot of fun!