The AVM is excellent for the money. It allows you to fine tune your output for a perfect match with the VAC. AVM is one of the easier preamps to match with other brands for that reason.
Which preamp for VAC Phi 170 IQ?
I changed my amplification and decided to go with VAC PHI 170 IQ. I want to get a tube preamp to go with it. I was thinking of the VAC Renaissance Mk V, but I can't afford it right now. So I'm looking at Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3, Octave HP 300 SE or AVM. Or something else around that price point. I will need balanced out as I have to run long interconnects. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.