Mcintosh C50 Preamp

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. 

So a preamps appearance has an effect on it's price?  Maybe, but this should not be significant.  Mc preamps have given the end user control over the room or the recording that certainly have an effect on sound quality in my listening space.  I'm gonna have to agree that the VTL 2.5 doesn't sound anything like a McIntosh.  Like I said before, I tried to make the 2.5 sound like music here in my system, but was unsuccessful.  I used highest quality vintage tubes and quality cabling as well.  This preamp might be good for you, but in my experience most if not all of the McIntosh preamps I have used (tube and SS)have reproduced music convincingly better here.  The C42, which is an older SS Mc preamp, made the VTL 2.5 sound overly analytical, lacking in musicality, and less refined in my system.  It has a "bite" to it I just can't  live with, as always YMMV.