Thank you Matt, that is my gut feeling as well.
I'm still interested to know the actual gain if anyone knows, as I might also like to try the Super Deluxe with lower efficiency speakers and bigger iron if the gain allows.
Zd, I've just really enjoyed all the early '90's "David Manley era" VTL pieces I've owned, even though they're no longer supported. IMHO some of the real classics of tube audio. Push-pull, negative feedback, 12AT7's, Wima's and warts and all. Still brilliant sounding gear. The guy had great ears, built world-class studios and the gear that filled them, and understood the recording/playback chain probably as well as any designer of his era.
I can understand why David's son (current VTL owner) or his widow (current Manley owner) do not want their employees fielding calls and e-mails about a 25-year-old piece of gear that was David's work under his own company. I also understand that they are both very good people to deal with regarding pieces designed and built since they have owned their respective companies.