As a Phi 2.0 owner I would say it fits your requirements. There is the ultimate test of synergy with the rest of your equipment. As a Phi 220 amp owner, the Phi 2.0 was a logical choice and exceeded my expectations, bettering the linestage section of my EMM DCC2.
The Phi 2.0 is incredibly quiet- the noise floor is lower than that of the DCC2. It has the drive. bass, and dynamics of the best solid state with the sheer musicalnesss of tubes.
The Phi 2.0 will drive any known amp regardless of load. It can easily handle power amps with an input impedance of below 10K ohms so it is very flexible in that regard. It is essentially a low powered Class A1 fully balanced Triode amplifier.
The user interface is wonderful. The only disadvantage next to the Ref3 is lack of an easy to read numeric volume readout. Kevin chose not to implement his volume control with a digital readout.
Build quality and curb appeal goes to the Phi series hands down. It is absolutely stunning and pcitures do not do it justice.
When you buy a VAC piece you are also investing in Kevin's and Co fanatical attention to detail and "perfection". His customer service and the VAC product reilability are second to none.
ARC IMO introduces new components and Mark II/III versions way too quickly. I think OB already sent his Ref 3 in for a "running" prodcution change. It's only been out a few months. A guess some would consider that a good thing- in some ways it is.
The Ref3 will also offer more balanced inputs, although the Phi 2.0 can be ordered with a second set of balanced inputs using a modified connector.
The Phi 2.0 will also come with a world class phono stage for MM and MC cartridges. You can use two arms at the same time and select the cartridge with the flip of a switch. Kevin feels his phono stage will compete with ANY separate phine stage on the market- bar none.
The etched glass with the glowing VAC logo also wins me over every time I sit down to listen.
Good luck!
Sorry for typos. I'm in a rush!
The Phi 2.0 is incredibly quiet- the noise floor is lower than that of the DCC2. It has the drive. bass, and dynamics of the best solid state with the sheer musicalnesss of tubes.
The Phi 2.0 will drive any known amp regardless of load. It can easily handle power amps with an input impedance of below 10K ohms so it is very flexible in that regard. It is essentially a low powered Class A1 fully balanced Triode amplifier.
The user interface is wonderful. The only disadvantage next to the Ref3 is lack of an easy to read numeric volume readout. Kevin chose not to implement his volume control with a digital readout.
Build quality and curb appeal goes to the Phi series hands down. It is absolutely stunning and pcitures do not do it justice.
When you buy a VAC piece you are also investing in Kevin's and Co fanatical attention to detail and "perfection". His customer service and the VAC product reilability are second to none.
ARC IMO introduces new components and Mark II/III versions way too quickly. I think OB already sent his Ref 3 in for a "running" prodcution change. It's only been out a few months. A guess some would consider that a good thing- in some ways it is.
The Ref3 will also offer more balanced inputs, although the Phi 2.0 can be ordered with a second set of balanced inputs using a modified connector.
The Phi 2.0 will also come with a world class phono stage for MM and MC cartridges. You can use two arms at the same time and select the cartridge with the flip of a switch. Kevin feels his phono stage will compete with ANY separate phine stage on the market- bar none.
The etched glass with the glowing VAC logo also wins me over every time I sit down to listen.
Good luck!
Sorry for typos. I'm in a rush!