I just litened to the VTL IT-85 with B&W Nautalis 805 (my current speakers) The dealers source was the awesome Shanling T-100, I didn't have time to bring in my Rega Planet to audition the system , anyway the 805's were unbeleiavle with the VTL. The first cut was a vocal of Danny Boy that sent goose bumps up my arm, my wife who is not an audiophile but Irish none the less also was immediately captivated. I put down the latest Diana Krall Live in Paris track 7 and the soudstage opened up and the timbre from every note could be heard. YThe next choice was Keith Jarret Insidee Out, an audiophile himself you can be pretty sure the recording is up to snuff. What I listen for in "critcal mode" is the realism of the instruments, being a quasi musician myself I know what a sax, cymbal , or bass are supposed to sound like in real life. The VTL /Shandling?805 combo proved to be much more than I expected.
Ihighly reccomend the VTL IT-85 for the price point ~$2200 new it is hard to compare. I think your choice of the VTL would be a great upgrade in any system.
Others I've been considering for myself: Plinious 8100 or 8200, BAT 300 integrated (awesome but 4-5k is a little heavy) Levinson 383 int, another fav especially with resale value 5-10 yrs from now.
Most likely I'll opt for the VTL 85 int. maybe the Shanling (if my wife let's me)
Ihighly reccomend the VTL IT-85 for the price point ~$2200 new it is hard to compare. I think your choice of the VTL would be a great upgrade in any system.
Others I've been considering for myself: Plinious 8100 or 8200, BAT 300 integrated (awesome but 4-5k is a little heavy) Levinson 383 int, another fav especially with resale value 5-10 yrs from now.
Most likely I'll opt for the VTL 85 int. maybe the Shanling (if my wife let's me)