Musical Fidelity A300 or VTL IT 85 for Mag 1.6QR

85 watts is plenty, unless you have a huge room or something, also you could always add another VTL to biamp later. keep in mind that 85 tube watts may sound subjectively louder than the same rating from a ss amp.
i would think both would be very good matches!

I tried the A300 with my 1.6's and it did sound very nice but had a forward sound. Coronets sounded like you could crawl into it the sound was so big, I do not want to sound negative because the TONE was very sweet on that same Coronet. Piano had a full sound that was nice also. Hi Hats sounded 4 feet in diameter and 2 feet in front of the speaker. In some ways I miss that amp, it was super detailed (something that worked nice with the Magnepans). I have also tried Rogue 88 amp with 70 watts which was enough for a small room but you could not rock out by any means. I did prefer the sound of the Rogue with the 99 pre amp to the MS A300, At more than twice the price as well. Bottom line, if you get the MS you will want a well dampened room and smooth source and wire. I bet you would be happy (it has an airy sound as well). I have not heard the VTL but it would probably be my choice, but I like tubes. good luck I hope this helps

The Vtl is a 60W amp

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?331:3

Not a powerhouse by any means.
Consider the Creek 5350se as a musical choice with solid drive. Remember many things can cause a forward sound, the least of which being a cd player. The A300 may yet prove to be a good choice as well.