Fsarc. I own the PHI 220's and the PHI Master control 2.0 preamp. Kevin told me it would take around 200 hours to break in, so I gave it some time. However, during that 200 hour wait I cryoed my cabling and put it back in the system. The VAC never sounded as good as it had at my friend who owned the 110. I couldn't figure it out, it was aggressive, lacked bass information. Well, long story short, my friend and I swapped out my cabling and WOW! everything you say came true! I finally heard the incredilby musical sound I had heard at my friend's house. I was so thankful that no one bought them from me on audiogon as I had them listed for a month. I later found out from the manufacturer (Sonoran cables) that my cabling was destroyed during the cryo process, which by the way, isn't common, and that was why I couldn't hear the quality of the sound. It was so bad sounding, I repurchased my entire Krell system that I sold as I missed it. I will probably put all the Krell back up for sale as you described it right, the VAC is so engaging and gives you the performance in the room versus a good reproduction of a recording like so many other systems. I agree, this is the best tube equipment I have EVER listened to and I have listened to all the best like Audio Research, Manley, VTL, BAT (Bad Amplification Tubes), Jadis, and Kevin Hayes is by far the best designer of musical, engaging tube equipment out there. Someone needs to get a pair for review and get the word out. I hope many read your thread.
Mark
Mark