VTL ST-85 versus Music Reference RM-10 MKii

Hello Rrboogie, i have to disagree with what Plato said about the ST85 in Tetrode mode. I have that same amp as i have e-mailed with you recently, too me this amp in Triode is too soft sounding with the Merlins, but then again what kind of music do you listen too> For jazz or vocals the Triode is fine but for rock forget it, Tetrode rules. Just my opinion. YMMV

I own the ST-85 and I've had the Music Reference RM-10 (original model) in my system. The ST-85 will have greater dynamics and bass, but its best (most natural and musical) sound by far is in its triode mode (where the bass is still very respectable but the power is much lower).

Of the two I'd choose the VTL, but if it were my decision I'd probably seek a more powerful amp that still had excellent sound at high power. The VTL sounds okay, but not great, in its higher-power tetrode mode.