John, I've had the SLI-80 with VSM-Ms for a few weeks and have enjoyed it very much. I found the type of KT-88 tubes used has a huge sonic impact with this amp. Personally I really enjoyed the KT-88EHs and was not as excited with the JJs (JJs more holographic sound, EHs just right for my ears). There are many other types of tubes you can use, so if you don't like what you hear, just change the tubes. Suspect the VSMs would also be an exceptional match with the Cary V12R (heard this amp last week, really impressed). Added bonus, they're both very good looking.
Jim
Jim