VTL IT-85 or Mcintosh MA6500

I have listened to both the McIntosh MA6500 and the VTL with both Dynaudio 52se and Verity Audio Tamino X2. I was kind of surprised that the Mac sounded a bit two demensional, thin, and lacked the dynamics of the little VTL integrated as the Mac has much more power. I really liked the sound of the VTL, the base was deep and tight which I did not expect and it sounded more musical. I spent a lot of time listening to the VTL, the mac just didn't seem as enjoyble. I also listened to the Mac Tube integrated, I think that it is the 2275, and that sounded absolutley wonderful, but at a different price point. I do think though if your speakers needed the power the 6500 might be a better piece as it did sound nice, just not to the VTL.

I have heard the two but at different times, in different rooms, with different speakers. Take my impressions with that in mind. The Mac had more bass extension. The VTL has more transparency and emphasis on midrange. Glad you are able to hear both to make your own comparison. Phil Brady.

Apples and oranges here, your comparing a tube integrated to a SS. If a Mac integrated is what your interested in then listen to the MA2275 if its within your budget. This unit comes with 4 12ax7's ( 2 for tone and 2 for phono ) a pair of at7's and a quad of KT88's. Power output should be very close to your Vtl, FWIW Ive owned all 3 and my preference leans towards the 2275..that being said the 6500 was excellent also and very musical. In fact I prefered the 6500 over it's bigger brother the MA6900. Good luck, enjoy and let us know what your conclusions are.

Les here,Thanks for the response... Sometimes I wonder if I should start going back to seperates, just go ahead and sink the money into some reference gear and stop going sideways and start really upgrading. I think I'm addicted to hearing new gear every so often even if it's not a major upgrade.

I think I'm addicted to hearing new gear every so often even if it's not a major upgrade.

The first step to recovery is admitting it. :)