I run my Ref 5s with a single MC275 Mk VI with upgraded tubes. I was going to add a second to run them in mono but didn't feel the need for it (my room is about the same size as yours). Some say that the Reference line really needs high watt amps to shine, but I really like how mine sound now running with an all tube front end.
If you want to try at a lower price point first, I would say that either Rogue Audio Atlas Magnum or a used PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP would be a good place to start. If you felt the need to upgrade (but you might not after hearing either of these in your system), you could most likely resell them with minimal financial exposure.
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@mountainsong, so it seems you already answered your own question....
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@mountainsong, if I recall you own Ref 1s. I think those should give you a pretty good idea of how the Ref 3s would sound in your space - just "more" of what you already have.
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I originally used a SS amp (Mark Levinson 23.5) with my Ref 5s but, like you, wanted to try tubes due to the nature of the KEF sound and wanting to evoke those lush mids that I like so much. I was concerned that I would lose some of the bottom end with tubes, especially since the Ref 5s aren’t exactly bass monsters.
My concerns were unfounded though. While I don’t consider the MC275 to be a high-end tube amp as compared to the VAC or Air Tight, but it really has a nice grip on the bass and it is as deep, fast and tight as with the 23.5 (I use a combination of Gold Lion and Mullard NOS tubes and a Clarus Crimson HC power cord which helps). I was so pleased with the result that I now have an all tube system (amp, preamp, phono and even headphone amp) and find the music to sound natural and very organic without being fatiguing.
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A retailer near me just got a pair of PrimaLuna ProLogue 7 mono amps in on trade and has them for sale at $2k. They might be a good place to start with 70 wpc and self-biasing.
Forgot to ask - are you planning on using the KWI200 as a preamp for your trial? System synergy is an important factor when pairing an amp and preamp. As I said, my MC275 might have some shortcomings, but paired with my preamp, it is pure heaven and the Ref 5s just disappear - regardless of what your VAC retailer might say :)
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I'm a bit out of my depth when it comes to tube integrateds, so can't offer much in the way of help there.
I think that if you are happy with the Modwright's pre function, it should be fine with a tube amp. Most who want tube warmth usually go in the opposite direction with a SS amp and tube pre if they don't go all tube, however.
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In my experience, the preamp does impart more influence over the sound than the amp. Plus the Modwright does have 200 wpc, so it has ample power to drive the Ref 3s. Another option is to get a tube integrated and try it both as a stand alone and then as a preamp coupled with the Modwright.
Sorry, I just realized I might be complicating things more than helping! :)
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Sorry, no experience with EAR products, but they generally receive excellent reviews and feedback from actual users.
You seem to be a bit scattered in terms of your strategy. You might want to take a deep breath and really think about what you will do if you don't like the new component in your system. Likewise, what will you do if you love it?
There is no way your retailer will allow a home trial on a VAC integrated?
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grnmtnboy77, having your dealer 3k miles away does make it a bit of a challenge (BTW, I'm pretty sure I know who your dealer is now). If you were in California, you could come by and hear my system. I have nearly 40 tubes in my primary system, so you would definitely be immersed in tube warmth.
With all due respect to audiobrian, if you intend to buy a used component in the $2k price range, I would still suggest you stay with a bigger name brand such as EAR, PrimaLuna or Rogue since they will tend to sell easier should you decide to move up the food chain in the future.
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grnmtnboy77, you no doubt have a solid relationship with your dealer after buying that much gear over the years. My comment regarding it being a challenge was in reference to my question about asking them to let you do a home trial with anything in which you have an interest.
When you demoed the Ref 3 with the VAC electronics at the store, there was obviously something that moved you enough to buy them. That experience is not enough to get you to just go straight to the VAC integrated and bypass the trail phase?
Have you tried other tweaks to dial your system in to make it "more engaging?" Room treatments, power cables and interconnects and speaker placement can all have a profound impact on the sound of your system.
I'm also a set it and forget it type person, so all 5 of my tube components have auto bias. Just be sure you have plenty of ventilation as those pretty bulbs do get quite warm. With my one experience with VAC, I recall that it ran very hot. It could have just been that particular amp, but it does stand out in my mind.
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grnmtnboy77, I think the strategy to go with a VAC preamp makes sense based on your situation. For your digital, could you use Modwright as a stand alone DAC connected to the VAC inputs?
I'm in NorCal and always happy to talk shop.
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