Speakers for VAC sigma 160i -- need inputs

Well, if you still haven't pulled the trigger, and your room is on the smaller size, I'd suggest hearing the Nola Micro References with your VAC (or if your room is larger, the Metro Grand References). I'm driving mine with a Phi 200 (almost got the integrated, but decided on a Shindo preamp with a separate amp) and am very happy with the pairing. Makes superb music.

This thread was quiet for a few months, so I thought I'd add some input. I bought VAC Sigma 160i last November. I ordered it with balanced input and MC phono options. I had a pair of Harbeth SHL-5 left from my old system, so I was using the VAC with them for a couple of months. I hate to say it, but it wasn't a very impressive combo. Harbeths performed so much better with a SS amp. Swapping Cardas for CrystalCable interconnects and speaker cables helped a lot, but still, I wasn't impressed. I am now using the VAC with a pair of Vivid B-1's, and THAT sounds like music. Stock tubes, but considering swapping the preamp section for a different ones.

I had a vac avatar super for a few years and auditioned the 160i through tannoy speakers which sounded great. This amp has enough drive to open up a lot of speaker choices, mine did work very well with Devore Silverbacks as well. That's a very nice integrated amp, I'm not sure why it isn't talked about more.

I think it goes without saying that that VAC should work with all pretty well, but that is a very diverse sounding list of speakers in general. A lot would depend on your personal preferences, listening habits, listening room and how well different speakers will physically integrate into that, etc.

I use a pair of Salk Sound ss8's with the VAC and am quite pleased with the sound. I have also swapped the Chinese stock tubes with nos Mullard 12au7's , Cifte 12au7's, the Mazda silverplate 12ax7 that I often switch with a 1958 Mullard longplate 12ax7, plus the Black KT88 treasure series tubes. The sound has improved greatly.