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As much as I hate tube maintenance and the worry of tubes self-destructing (which has never happened to me, by the way), I can not give them up.
All are amazing pieces. At retail, the ART monos are $39K, the VAC 160i SE is $15.5K and the 211's are $11K.
If my Strads were more efficient and a little easier to drive, I think the 211's could be the winner for my personal taste. The Strads need more power to strut their stuff.
The 211's are wonderful. I think my 211's may need a little more break in. They do not have the brute power of the CJ ART amps, 85 wpc vs 275 wpc, but are similar in a lot of ways. I think the 211's have a more in the room or forward (in a good way) 3D presentation. It's like you can reach out and touch the music with the 211's. The ART monos have tremendous layering and depth. The 211's are voiced just a little sweeter vs the ART monos which seem slightly more neutral. The ART monos control my Strads a little better, but I do not listen loud.
The VAC also has 85 wpc like the 211's. Bass is not as powerful, but what's there is articulate and accurate. The VAC has air, separation, depth and width, but is not as forward (3D). It is more even and reserved, but is also an overall great performer. It does not immediately impress like the others, but the more you listen, the more you realize how complete it sounds. For example, like the Dartzeel 108 amps that I've had before, the VAC seems anemic, especially in the bass. But as you listen, you realize that it's all there and can surprise you, out of nowhere, how much that is actually in the music. It sort of sneaks up on you. The 211's are a little bolder (maybe a tiny but flashy, again in a good way) and stays that way (you really need to hear the 211's - voiced like a Kondo). The VAC grows on you like a song you like at first, then absolutely LOVE with a few more playings. It is absolutely wonderful.
The ART monos (especially with the GAT) can do it all and are totally grainless.
All these amps are superb in the right system and simply freaking outstanding with my Lampizator Golden Gate.
All are amazing pieces. At retail, the ART monos are $39K, the VAC 160i SE is $15.5K and the 211's are $11K.
If my Strads were more efficient and a little easier to drive, I think the 211's could be the winner for my personal taste. The Strads need more power to strut their stuff.
The 211's are wonderful. I think my 211's may need a little more break in. They do not have the brute power of the CJ ART amps, 85 wpc vs 275 wpc, but are similar in a lot of ways. I think the 211's have a more in the room or forward (in a good way) 3D presentation. It's like you can reach out and touch the music with the 211's. The ART monos have tremendous layering and depth. The 211's are voiced just a little sweeter vs the ART monos which seem slightly more neutral. The ART monos control my Strads a little better, but I do not listen loud.
The VAC also has 85 wpc like the 211's. Bass is not as powerful, but what's there is articulate and accurate. The VAC has air, separation, depth and width, but is not as forward (3D). It is more even and reserved, but is also an overall great performer. It does not immediately impress like the others, but the more you listen, the more you realize how complete it sounds. For example, like the Dartzeel 108 amps that I've had before, the VAC seems anemic, especially in the bass. But as you listen, you realize that it's all there and can surprise you, out of nowhere, how much that is actually in the music. It sort of sneaks up on you. The 211's are a little bolder (maybe a tiny but flashy, again in a good way) and stays that way (you really need to hear the 211's - voiced like a Kondo). The VAC grows on you like a song you like at first, then absolutely LOVE with a few more playings. It is absolutely wonderful.
The ART monos (especially with the GAT) can do it all and are totally grainless.
All these amps are superb in the right system and simply freaking outstanding with my Lampizator Golden Gate.
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