Mcintosh C50 Preamp

I feel you would find the C50 a notable step up from the VTL and Moon combo.  It has one of the best SS phono sections out there and is far more complete of a preamp than the VTL with both XLR and RCA I/O for everything along with multiple zone outputs and tone controls.  You would likely find it more synergistic with the MC275; tighter & more defined.

The DAC in the C50 is not as fully featured as the Exogal - up to 32 bit 192 kHz maximum and no DSD.  In my application, it's just fine and light years beyond the DAC in my computer.  Not knowing how important digital performance is to you, I can't give you further input here.  FWIW, the C50 does have more I/C choices for the DAC (USB, RCA & TOSLINK).

Your threads don't list exactly what kind of table, arm and cartridge you're running now, so that might be the deciding factor.  If you're running a better LOMC and/or an arm that has VTA on-the-fly, it's probably worth the switch.  If you're not that far into vinyl on the other hand, perhaps not.

Good luck & happy listening!

IMO the C50 will certainly be more enjoyable than the VTL preamp.  I spent a years time with the VTL 2.5...rolled tubes, interconnects, power cables.  Could not get the sound I wanted out of it.  VTL 2.5 was replaced by Joule Electra LA-150 MK II and then McIntosh C42, both of which bested the VTL easily in my setup. I also used a McIntosh C47 briefly in order to hear what Mc had done with the DAC in these new preamps.  My Lampizator made the C47 DAC sound like a toy.  So, YES to the Mc SS preamps and NO to the Mc DACs IMHO.  No sure that the DAC built inside the analog preamp is a good idea.  My two cents based on my experiences, YMMV.  I have also used MC275 and MC30s with C42 and experienced excellent sound from both setups.  SS Mc preamps sound great with MC tube amps IMO.  Good luck! 

Not counting the DAC, I would be suprised if the McIntosh would really outperform your VTL. Depending on your taste in gear, though, it may.

If you decide to sell your 2.5, let me know. 

Why would you be surprised?  Is this comment based on your experience with different McIntosh preamps mb1audio? 

" Why would you be surprised? Is this comment based on your experience with different McIntosh preamps mb1audio?"

Yes. The 2.5 doesn't sound anything like a McIntosh preamp, tube or SS. Many consider the VTL to be one of the most underrated preamps in audio. For the most part, I would agree. Also, keep in mind that the 2.5 has a relatively simple appearance, where McIntosh is just the opposite. That will account for at least some of the price difference between the 2. The Mac will have more features that may, or may not, get used that don't necessarily have an effect on SQ.