Tube Integrated for Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE

Yes, Grant. Kevin's stuff is expensive. I'm having a difficult time trying to figure out how you would downsize, get some extra money out of it, yet still be as happy, and at the same time stay with VAC products. Can this be done? Perhaps. It seems that you want to keep your speakers, right? So, that's where you start building from. The big question is your initial thread question. I'm assuming that you want to stay with VAC products. Maybe a quick e-mail or call to Kevin might be just the ticket. There's a chance( mentioned in an above post by maineiac, that Kevin just might be revising his Avatar Super based on new technology that he has developed. If that is the case, there might be some VAC Avatar Supers up for sale fairly reasonably priced. But then, how much would you be sacrificing sonically from your current Phi 110/Modwright combo. If you need extra money, let's pass the hat. We'll put Gunbei in charge of all donations.

Sorry, I meant to say Lamm LL2 preamp.

Sherod, I don't necessarily need to stay with VAC amps. I looked at the Avatar, but in it's present configuration, I don't believe it has the stones to drive the VR4 HSE. One thing I really like about the VAC Phi is the ability to run it in triode. It has more power in ultriode, but it has more sweetness in triode.

I'm considering a McIntosh SS amp or integrated amp as an alternative.

i'd be really interested to hear your thoughts on the Mac vs. Vac... tho i have a gut feeling about how that comparison will fare

Hey Grant, how about this beauty? I know it's tubed, but man!

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatube&1149247597

Hello Sherod and Steve my old friends!