vac or art audio

I'm using the VaC pa 35/35 (32 wpc) EL-34 triode amp. This amp is not directly heated like the 30/30. I feel it mates very well w/my Sonatinas. I've heard the 30/30 MK II, feeling they were the best amps I've heard-period. But the other amps mentioned are great too. You'll never know till you listen w/them at home, have fun...I'm sure you will. E-MAIL when you have decided. mike [email protected]

The last amp I owned was a VAC 30/30 Mk 3. I now own the Art Audio Jota. I was using the VAC with Von Scweikert VR6 speakers. I am using the Art Audio with Talon Khorus speakers. Both are terrific amps, but the Jota has tighter bass, is more neutral in the midrange, and has more focus. It is also more expensive. The Diavolo has similar qualities, but with less power. VAC amps tend to be a little darker than the Art Audio. Depending on your speakers and system, this could an advantage. You can't go wrong with either one...just depends on your taste and system. The Art Audio Diavolo is going to be somewhat harder to match up with speakers that can take that massive 13 watts of power, even if it does sound like more. If your can afford a Jota, it's more of a no-brainer. Resale value is better with the VAC. Sold mine in a day. Lots of Diavolos out there. The VAC is just more versatile. It's also fairly easy to get a deal on a new VAC. I paid about $4200. for mine brand new. Customer service for either is outstanding. Art is moving to this country, but already has great US representation. You can add a volume control to the Art products, if that appeals to you.

I just recently purchased a used Ren 30/30 Mk II, and I really like it a lot. It drives my 87db Merlin TSM-SE speakers with ease. You can easily tune the sound to your liking by changing input/driver tubes (although they are getting expensive), and the amp is highly responsive to different set-ups. I have not heard the other amps you mention, but I am sure they are great as well. Good Luck

Hi Kellyann! To continue with my previous comments, the VTL Tiny Triodes are great for the money, but not a full range amp. They offer the wonderful triode soundstage and midrange, but don't have much bass. If you read the reviews on the VTLs in The Absolute Sound and Wes Phillips page from Soundstage, you will see that these amps work well above 60 hz in bass, and really well above 80 hz. The Tiny Triodes were reviewed with speakers that are not full range. Your speakers go considerably lower, and my guess is you would eventually wish for more than the tiny triodes could deliver. The VAC and the Diavolo should both work well with your speakers. The Diavolo is cheaper on the used market (about 3 grand), where as a 30/30 Mk 3 will set you back at least $3750. Another consideration is tube cost. To replace the VAC tubes is expensive if you want good ones. Four Western Electric 300bs will cost you $1200. or more. The two VV32b tubes run about $450. without a discount. I picked up some for $150 a pair. In short (too late!), yes, either the VAC or the Diavolo is worth the money over the VTL Tiny Triodes.