VAC Phi 70 good match for Vandersteen 5As?

Fsarc, I was going to stay off this thread, but I can't resist. I own a VAC Phi 110/110 which is driving Von Schweikert VR4 HSE loudspeakers. The VAC is an extremely musical amplifier, and I have no trouble filling my 19x14 foot room with 90+ db with room to spare to go louder.

I have also in the past year owned a McCormack DNA-2 Rev. A+ amplifier, and found the differences between the two amps to be very slight. The McCormack had deeper bass, and was equally sweet in the highs and mids. Eventually, I decided to keep the VAC because it was just the slightest bit more musical...music sounded real to my ears. The bass of the VAC is tight and plenty deep, while I found the bass from the McCormack DNA-2 to be just 5% more bloomy. And, the McCormack was a bit too large for my equipment rack. There is no doubt the 13"x13" footprint of the VAC is ideal for ease of placement.

My point is that you may have all you need in the DNA-500, and moving to the VAC will be one of those point-of-diminishing returns purchases. There is something very nice about turning on the solid state amp and listening RIGHT NOW to music and not having to wait 45 minutes for the tubes to warm up. If you can't quell your desire for the VAC, at the very least try to audition the Phi 70/70 in your own system.

The VAC Phi is a terrific amp, but so is the McCormack DNA-500. I'm simply highlighting the slippery slope of switching for the sake of change.

Have fun whatever you decide.

If at all possible, audition the VAC before you sell your McCormack. I know from personal conversations with Richard Vandersteen that he thinks very highly of the McCormack amps, and has used them over the years with his various speaker models.

Because the 5A's have an excellent built-in powered sub, lower-powered tube amps can be an excellent match for the 5A's (and the Model 5). The DNA-500 is a superb amp, and may in some respects be better suited to the 5A's than the VAC, but the only way to be sure is to do an A-B listening test in your own system.

Fsarc:
What kind of music do you listen most? If you like jazz, pop, chamber, or small orchestra; the VAC should be enough. But if you like rock, large-scale symphony, or pipe organ; you will need something more powerful.

Despite the built-in sub, Vandy 5 is not that efficient. I am driving a pair with a BAT VK-75SE and that is what I experience. When I save enough I will probably get another VK-75SE make a pair of 150W monos.

It's been a while, but I finally received my VAC Phi 220 monos to drive my 5As. After a wonderful discussion with Kevin regarding the Phi 70 and my 5As, he felt the Phi 220s would actually be the better amp sonically.

One thing I questioned (as others did), was I changing amps just for the sake of change, and would there be an improvement in sound quality (in a positive way, not JUST a change). The DNA-500 is a fantastic amp and tremendous value. I've owned quite a few solid state amps and the DNA-500 was by far my favorite. I thought my system sounded great, but wondered, could it get any better? Indeed it has.

I am absolutely thrilled with the Phi 220 monos and my 5As!!! They have mated "perfectly" with my 5As as if they were made for each other. They take all of the things I loved about the DNA-500 and improve upon them in a meaningful way. One area where the 220s really better the DNA-500 is in high frequency reproduction. The 220s are more extended, more natural, and most of all more musical. I also find myself truly engaged in listening, being immersed in the music with no distractions. The sound is just so "right" to me I've stopped trying to analyze for any shortcomings. Granted, they cost almost three times as much than the DNA-500, bit IMO they are worth every penny.

The 220s are also very quiet amplifiers and don't run too hot at all. In terms of build quality and appearance, these are the finest pieces of electronics I have ever owned. They remind me of a finely crafted, one-of-a-kind product that you know the builder takes immense satisfaction and pride in producing.

What can I say? I think Kevin created a masterpiece both sonically and visually. He's one of the most pleasant and responsive persons I have had the pleasure of dealing with. He personally auditioned the amps for two days prior to shipping, making sure they met his approval.

Kudos to Kevin and all at VAC for a "statement" product.

I plan on listing my equipment on the systems page, but here is the rest the equipment used with the 5As and 220s.

Vandertseen Model 5A (Bird's Eye Maple- stunning!)
VAC Phi 220 monoblock amplifiers
EMM Labs DCC2 DAC/preamp
EMM Labs CDSD- SACD/CD transport
Audioquest SKY 72V DBS XLR interconnects
Audioquest Kilimanjaro 72V shotgun biwire speaker cables
Silent Source AC power cords
Custom Power Cord Co. Model 11 Plus for 5A subs
BPT 3.5 Signature Plus balanced line conditioner
Critical Mass Systems platforms for EMM and BPT
Sistrum SP-101 platforms for VAC Phi 220s